President Jerry John Rawlings on Sunday called on Ghanaians not to condemn God for the choice of leadership they make after the December elections. "Whatever decision that would emerge, should be respected by all and not even if it is not according to our expectations even that we all should know that God has a purpose for it," he said.
President Rawlings said this in Accra at a special prayer and music celebration by the Fresh Anointing Christian Centre (FACC) as thanksgiving and in appreciation of God's blessing and mercy upon the nation.
The Celebration was also to honour the President and the first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman for their outstanding service to the nation over the past 20 years. "I will not be in a position to say that the will of the people is right or wrong even if it goes against my expectations and wish, I believe that God has a purpose of teaching us a lesson. I will respect the judgement of the people".
President Rawlings said he would continue to be concerned about the well being of the people and "I pray that all would be peaceful and that the choice we make is from the heart while in the booth and not street violence".
Nana Konadu said God uses man at a particular time, place and position for a specific purpose. "Most significantly we appear once, which calls for the utilisation of the opportunity for the up-liftment of mankind otherwise that person has not lived in the image of God".
She expressed appreciation to God and the organisers for the honour and asked for God's blessing on all. The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Michael Wontumi, said the peace the nation has enjoyed is the work of God through dedicated leadership of President Rawlings.
He said the security service, opposition political parties and the populace contributed to achieve the peace. Apostle Wontumi, however, noted that peace is fragile and said it must be maintained through closer relationship with God, tolerance of each others' opinion and order.
He said the real test of President Rawlings' love for the nation is not what he did while in office, but what he would do after January 7, 200. Peace in the nation is not to suggest the handiwork of any man but to recognise the role of others.
Apostle Wontumi said the reign of King Solomon witnessed peace and success but after his death those who took over lead to the breaking up of Israel. He therefore cautions the next government to recognise the value of peace and said the structures that have been laid must be continued.
The Reverend Samuel Asore, Member of the Council of State, said during his pastoral duties in Burma Camp in 1977, he came in contact with President Rawlings and described him as a man full of compassion for mankind.
Rev Asore who is the immediate vice president of the Christian Council expressed sympathy and condolence to the first family for the recent tragic accident, which claimed the life of four of the presidential bodyguard. Pastor Godfried Sarpong of FACC London and organiser of the service said the democratic transfer of power would serve as an example for nations especially those of Africa.
The first family, were honoured at the service with the citation stating how the President has transformed the country from the point of moral and economic collapse to a proud, hopeful, stable and democratic nation.
"Since 1981, the world has seen Ghana lay the foundations for social, economic and political progress and regain her international credibility. Development has been brought to hitherto neglected areas of the country and every citizen now has meaningful opportunities to be part of the process of governance.
"As he approaches the end of his second term, it is fitting that we give thanks for his achievements and for the strength and guidance which has sustained him". The Reverend Andrae Crouch, Pastor of Christ Memorial Church of God in California performed songs such as 'through it all', 'Jesus is the Answer to the admiration of the congregation.
