Christians urged to ensure free elections

Akim Oda, May 16, GNA - The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, the Most Revered Dr Aboagye Mensah on Sunday urged Christians to make concerted efforts to ensure that the 2004 General Election is conducted freely, devoid of acrimony.

He noted that any country without peace and stability would not progress and urged Christians to help promote peace. Rev. Aboagye Mensah was delivering a sermon at the Akim Oda Methodist Cathedral as part of his visit to the Akim Oda Diocese of the Church.

He commended the Christian Council of Ghana for contributing to the political development of the country and appealed to the council to assist in ensuring the success of the 2004 General Election. Rev Aboagye asked Ghanaians not to regard their political opponents as enemies but to tolerate each other's views to advance and sustain the country's infant democracy.

The Minister of Finance and Economic planning, Mr Yaw Osafo-Marfo commended the Methodist Church for its contribution to the development of vocational education in the area.

Mr Osafo-Marfo appealed to the Church through the Presiding Bishop to assist the Akim Oda St Luke Methodist Church Vocational School to stand on its feet saying that "Vocational and Technical institutions are dear to the hearts of the government".

Rt. Rev Joseph B Impraim, Bishop of the Akim Oda Diocese of the Church, called for unity among political leaders to enhance the country's development adding we "must disagree to agree".

He prayed for President John Agyekum Kufuor, Ministers of state and the nation.

Mr Samuel Tutu Yeboah, the Diocesan Treasurer, said the Church has reactivated the Akim Oda Methodist Book Depot and created more circuits. On Saturday, members of the church went on a possession through the principal streets of Akim Oda amidst brass band music to welcome the Presiding Bishop.