New Ghanaian government asked to establish diplomatic ties with Israel

KUMASI, Ghana, January 10 -- The Ghana Centre for Biblical Studies and Research has called on the new government to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. It noted that the country stands to gain tremendously from such relationship, particularly in the areas of agriculture and security.

This is contained in a congratulatory message to President John Agyekum Kufuor and Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on their assumption of office. The message, which was signed by the National Director of the centre, Mr J.M. Israel, in Kumasi on Tuesday, asked for God's blessing, strength and wisdom for the President and the Vice-President. It expressed the hope that their term of office would witness spiritual restoration to the country and genuine national reconciliation.

Another congratulatory message sent by the 1993/94 group of retired police personnel in Kumasi wished President Kufuor and Vice-President Alhaji Mahama well and long life. It stated: "we pray that the Almighty God will guide the new leaders to be successful in their administration". The group pledged to stand solidly behind the new government to tackle the downturn of the country's economy.