Church Services herald New Year

Church Services have been held around the country to herald the New Year. Some church halls were filled as early as 8pm on the last day of 2004. Most entertainment spots were empty on the day with most people preferring to go to church to pray and seek God's favour. Pews were filled to capacity in churches with extra seating provided for those who only come to church on the last day of the year. Another characteristic of the last day of 2004 was the heavy traffic in the national capital with many people streaming to the church halls.

At the Calvary Presbyterian Church at Alogoshie in Accra, the resident Minister, Rev Edward Adjei Djan predicted a promising year for Ghanaians. Apostle Paul Okoh Hackman of the International Deliverance and Prayer Ministries was equally optimistic. But he urged Christians to only rely on God?s strength to face the New Year. The congregation at the Ablaze Chapel at Abeka Lapaz were inspired by their head pastor, Daniel Clarke who dwelt on New Year resolutions and said they were meaningless unless they were backed by Christ.

At the Peace Chapel International, Bishop Charles Adofo called on Ghanaians to change their attitude to work to ensure maximum productivity in 2005. ?Civil servants must work hard to bring increase and productivity. As one of our numerous problems in Ghana is poverty, it is only hardwork, that Ghanaians can curb poverty?, he said.

Worshippers at the Light of Life Ministry launched into intensive prayers at the stroke of midnight, praying for God?s guidance in the New Year. Spontaneous shouts of jubilation heralded the New Year at the Mount Calvary Church, also in Accra. The International Central Gospel Church also held as a massive watch night service at the Independence Square in Accra, addressed by Pastor Mensa Otabil. Bonfires and fireworks were also lighted at the stroke of midnight to usher in the New Year