Ideological differences should not lead to hostility- Dr Tetteh

Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Founder and President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach (WMO) on Tuesday challenged Ghanaians not to allow their ideological differences to lead to hostility.

“We must not create the impression that Ghana is at war, tolerance of each others’ political affiliation is a sign of a mature democracy, he explained.

Dr Tetteh was speaking at a press briefing, to announce the annual Ghana for Christ Crusade of WMO slated for November 1 to November 3, at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra. The event followed a similar one held in Ho.

The three-day programme has dual themes: “Equipping the saints” slated for the morning session and “Prayer for peaceful elections 2012,” for the evening session.

Dr Tetteh told Ghanaians that, as the December 7 polls approach, they should be circumspect in their utterances and desist from undermining the credibility of the very leaders they would rely on to effectively lead Ghana in the coming years.

According to him the print and the electronic media in Ghana are being deviled with character assassination, disrespectful attitude of certain individuals as well as copious and unguarded statements.

He suggested the need for decency, civility and respect for one another to be the guiding principle of the media.

Dr Tetteh noted that Ghana stands tall among fellow African countries for its democratic achievements chalked out over the years, citing the peaceful democratic elections and transitions for the past 20 years.

This he said led to the smooth swearing in of the then Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, as President following the demise of President John Evans Atta Mills within six hours.

The President of the WTO therefore urged Ghanaians to live up to the enviable reputation.

He emphasised: “Peace should not only be spoken but our actions should show that we mean what we say as a people. Peace comes from God and this should be a guide for our actions and behaviour before, during and after the elections.”

Dr Tetteh said it was in this direction that he extended invitation to past and present heads of state, notably President Mahama, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and Mr John Agyekum Kufuor as well as presidential candidates of the various political parties to the Ghana for Christ crusade.

He entreated stakeholders in Election 2012 such as the clergy, political party leaders, traditional rulers, civil society and well meaning Ghanaians to exhibit a massive united front to ensure that Ghana comes out of the election more united to propel the development of the country to greater heights.

Dr Richard Roberts, President Emeritus of the Oral Roberts University and Chief Executive Officer of the oral Roberts Ministries, who is part of the Ghana for Christ Crusade, promised to bring a team of medical doctors and nurses to minister to the health needs of the people in 2013 and launch Oral Roberts School of Ministries in the country.

About 1000 ministers and their spouses would be attending the crusade.