Religious leaders urged to fight pedophile in Churches

Sunyani, April 29, GNA - Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, has appealed to religious leaders to assist to eliminate pedophile cases involving some church leaders in the country. He stressed that such unfortunate developments among men of God could not be justified under any circumstance and must be condemned by all decent minded people.

Mr Marfo, who was speaking at the commissioning of Gilberto Music Academy at Penkwase in Sunyani, also indicated that pedophile was now a mind-boggling issue, which required response from all and sundry in the country.

The Academy was established by Roman Catholic Franciscan Friars in collaboration with Sacred Heart Parish of the church. Dwelling further on pedophilia, the Regional Minister said: "This sordid practice is not a good example for any youth to emulate". He said the creeping moral decadence and indiscipline among the youth was a disturbing phenomenon. Mr Marfo called on the Church to redouble its efforts in providing the youth with moral values through education and sermons in the church to stem the tide.

He commended the Catholic Church authorities for the establishment of the Academy, an initiative, he said, was in line with the government's "Better Ghana Agenda", which focuses on investing in people for the country's accelerated growth.

The institution was established to help train basically amateur church musicians, teachers, children and adults interested in acquiring knowledge in music.

Right Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani Diocese said the Academy was intended for all "who love music and want to improve on their skills or want to learn music of one kind or the other". All forms of music - Christian, traditional, pop music and secular music are taught at the Academy.

The Catholic Bishop appealed to especially the youth with a flair for music to take advantage of the well-equipped facility, described as one of the best in the country to register and sharpen their musical talents. Mr Paul V. Obosu, Principal of the Academy, noted that in spite of bottlenecks from the beginning the dream of the Academy came to fruition in 2008/2009.

He said the Academy had come at the right time to contribute in shaping the music industry in the country and gave the assurance that it would be of immense benefit to music lovers. Father Martino Corazzin, Registrar at the Academy, called on the people in the region to appreciate and take advantage of the institution saying "for the good of our own churches, liturgical celebrations, social gatherings and even as a personal way of employment". 29 April 10