Minister speaks on churches and development

Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/A) May 3, GNA - Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, has stated that in spite of the good work by churches towards the spiritual, physical and material development of the people, some negative developments in the society threatened to erode such gains made.

He noted that moral degeneration was on the ascendancy in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

Nana Seinti was speaking at the dedication of a two-billion-cedis chapel complex for the Schaefer Memorial Presbyterian Church at Dormaa-Ahenkro in Brong-Ahafo.

Nana Seinti and Right Reverend Dr. Sam Prempeh, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana jointly dedicated the 1,500-seating capacity chapel complex, built within the record period of five years. The Regional Minister noted: "It is not uncommon to hear of people of all classes, including ministers of the church, engaged in social vices that hitherto were unheard of in our society".

He said the manifestation of moral decadence could be seen in the high incidence of hard drug use and trafficking, child labour and human trafficking, prostitution, rape and armed robbery.

"Some commentators have attributed the upsurge in these vices and breakdown of moral values to the failure of the church to adequately satisfy the spiritual needs of members", he said.

Nana Seinti therefore, urged the church to employ "the proverbial Presbyterian attributes of discipline, hard work, peace and love to turn adherents from all negatives to the things that are positive and of good report".

On the forthcoming general elections, the Regional Minister cautioned politicians against acrimony and to exercise restraint to avoid violence.

He also asked media practitioners to be circumspect in their reportage in order not to inflame passions.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Prempeh commended the church for completing the chapel project in a record time.

He asked Christians to lead the crusade against moral decadence by using their lifestyles to convert unbelievers to follow Christ. Present at the ceremony were Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman-Badu 11, Omanhene of Dormaa Traditional Area, Rev. Dr. Charles Gyang-Duah, Clerk of the General Assembly of the church and Rev. Dr. K. Amoah-Kuma, Chairperson of the Brong-Ahafo Presbytery of the church, Mr Stephen Ayensu Ntim, first Vice Chairman of New Patriotic Party, MPs and DCEs.