Kristo Asafo marks charity and technology exhibition

Accra, Dec 31, GNA- Kristo Asafo (Christ Reformed Church) on Sunday, the last day of year 2006 presented food items, livestock, clothing and cash valued at about 525,160,000 million cedis to over 100 institutions throughout the country.

Twenty-five institutions received cash donation of one million each in addition to 15 maxi bags of maize, whilst others received 700,000 cedis in addition to maize. Eleven orphanages were giving in addition to their cash and food items some clothing.

The donation, an annual ritual, marks the 26th charity and technology exhibition of the church.

The total number of institutions that benefited from Sunday's donations included hospitals, orphanages, prisons, special schools, leprosarium, training institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO).

The movement of a special four-wheel drive, christened "Kantanka Onantefoo, which was manufactured by Apostle Kwadwo Safo, Founder and Leader of Kristo Asafo, marked the climax of the occasion. Among other items manufactured by Apostle Safo that were on display were a crane for the lifting of heavy duty equipment and goods, a flat screen television switched on with a clap, 3HP Split standing air conditioner also switched on with a clap and transformer and stabilizer. Mr Felix Kwasi Owusu-Adjapong, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs said Ghana, as a country needs to develop interest in research as a way to advance technology.

He therefore, urged Apostle Safo and his team of technologists to get connected properly to industry, so that their inventions could be adapted to meet the numerous requirements in the field of energy, agriculture, water and sanitation. "You need to link up with institutions such as EMPRETEC and GRATIS foundations so that your inventions can be developed and made beneficial to society

"Ghana needs the brains of men like you, Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo to lead a technological revolution to support the country's agrarian drive. "It is only when ordinary men along the street have eaten and they are satisfied that we can all join hands to give thanks to the Lord for a country that enjoys self- sufficiency," Mr Owusu-Adjapong said. Mr Owusu- Adjapong pledged to help in developing the interest of Ministers of the energy and agricultural sectors in the church's technological achievements as well as get them to adapt some of the technology to solve the challenges in the energy and agricultural sectors.

"Certainly the entire world would be interested in your invented generation Set, which does not need oil to run and I wish to caution that you "patent' this particular invention before the technology is pilfered elsewhere," he said.

Mr. Owusu-Adjapong said Kristo Asafo would always be remembered for their special way of giving alms to schools, hospitals, orphanages and street children. "What we are seeing today is a challenge not only to Christians organizations but to all Ghanaians of substance to give support to the needy.

Miss Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines who co-chaired the occasion urged Ghanaians to pledge to work harder in the coming year.

She urged all to eschew selfish attitudes, laziness and lackadaisical behaviours and work harder to up lift up the name of Ghana. Professor Stephen Adei, Rector of GIMPA, Centre of Excellence who co-chaired the function urged Ghanaians to believe in themselves and work towards moving the nation forward, adding that it's only Ghanaians who can build Ghana, hence the need for all to play their parts effectively and efficiently to up-lift the name of their beloved country. Apostle Dr. Safo urged Ghanaians to patronize made-in-Ghana goods, through which they would encourage the local artisans, craftsmen, tradesmen, professionals and non-professions to attain higher levels of perfection. 31 Dec. 06