Eschew vices to attain national goals - Ghanaians told

Sekondi, Feb. 2 GNA - The Most Reverend Doctor John M. Darko, Catholic Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, on Sunday said unless corruption and indiscipline were uprooted from the society, the country's quest for accelerated development would not be achieved.

"Misuse of office hours and equipment for personal gain, demand for monetary favours before jobs are performed and other negative practices must stop if our desire to develop will be attained," he added. Bishop Darko said these at the Centenary Celebrations of the Saint Paul's Pro-cathedral at Sekondi under the theme "Jesus the source of Life".

He charged Ghanaians to muster courage to deal positively, with the habit of attending functions late, indiscriminate waste disposal truancy and waywardness among both the youth and the elderly.

Bishop Darko appealed to Ghanaians to become role models for their children, community and nation, adding, "brighten the corner where you are".

He charged parents to take the education of their children more seriously because they are the future leaders of the country, saying, "whatever virtues we instil in them today, will be how they will manage this nation".

"It is very dangerous to neglect the training of your children since by that, you will be encouraging others people to train them for you" he stressed.

Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, said poverty, corruption, and indiscipline were major challenges confronting the nation and called on all to support the government to check them. He expressed regret that, lack of patriotism and dedication including the effects of market forces were having adverse effects on the economy. Mr. Aidoo commended the founding fathers of the Catholic Church for their commitment, dedication and the determination to succeed against the numerous challenges that confronted them on their arrival in Ghana. He urged Ghanaians to emulate the early missionaries so that they could overcome every obstacle that come their way.

"Most of these obstacles and challenges are only temporary and could be defeated with perseverance," he added.

The Very Rev. Philip Tandoh, Pro-Cathedral Administrator, said the Church presently has over 2,000 members.

He appealed to Christians to re-dedicate their lives to God and rely on him constantly.