Ghanaians advised to avoid political divisiveness

Agona (Ash), Sept. 9, GNA - Pastor Samuel Larmie, President of the Ghana Union Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists (SDA) Church, at the weekend advised Ghanaians to avoid political divisiveness and accept divergent views to move the country forward. He urged the people to ensure political tolerance, unity and peace for national development. Pastor Larmie said these at the 12th Triennial Session of the SDA Church and the ordination of three pastors at Agona in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region.

He expressed regret at the recent clash between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and those of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Northern Region, which claimed some six lives. Pastor Larmie called on Ghanaians to collectively ensure free, fair and peaceful polls in December adding "Let us hold each others hand; we are one and the same people".

He called on challenged SDA Pastors and leaders to preach peace, which is the message of the bible not only on Sabbaths but at all times. Pastor Larmie also called on Pastors to lead very simple lifestyles, endure hardships as good soldiers and be good examples to the public. Pastor Seth Laryea, President of the Valley View University (VVU), welcoming the Ordinands said, God has called them for a purpose, at a time when everything in the country is changing.

He likened them to Moses, saying that God has put the right words in their mouths just as he did for Moses, to rescue the Israelites from the Egyptians, "You should also rescue the people of God from perishing", he added.

Pastor Laryea prayed that God would lead and strengthen them to do his work.

Mr. Ben Abankwa, District Chief Executive of the area, said the church plays a vital role in the development of the country, and charged them to exercise their franchise in the forth coming elections. He underscored the developmental projects that the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has established and called on them to vote for the party for the development to continue. The Ordinands were Pastor Brobbey Samuel, 45, Pastor Ernest Obeng, 50, and Pastor Emmanuel Amoako, 38. Present at the ceremony was the President of the South West Ghana Conference of the SDA Church, Pastor T. T. Ocran.