Rt-Rev. commends Government

New Edubiase(Ash), May 02, GNA - Right Reverend Benjamin K. Asare, Methodist Bishop of Obuasi, has commended the Government for her efforts in human resource development through the huge investment in education. "The capitation grant, the school-feeding programme and the upgrading of a senior secondary school in each district in the country are all geared towards the development of the human resource base and these should be applauded and appreciated," he said. Rt-Rev. Asare, made the commendation when addressing the opening session of the ninth annual synod of the Obuasi Diocese of the Church at New Edubiase.

The five-day synod has the theme, "A Call To Discipleship". He called for deepened collaboration between the church and the government to promote education in the country. Rt-Rev Asare pointed out that many Methodist schools within the diocese needed rehabilitation and reminded ministers in the church to find ways of raising funds to renovate those deplorable schools. "Many schools are crying for help to be renovated. It is obvious that we have scanty resources but we cannot neglect our sacred duty to assist," he said.

Rt-Rev. Asare announced that as part of measures to support needy students within the diocese, the church would budget 10 million cedis to service a bursary scheme for this year and the future of which two students would benefit yearly.

Touching on injustices to the poor, the Methodist Bishop said most rural people needed good roads, potable water and good price for their farm produce to be empowered economically. He said situations in most rural areas had influenced the urban drift by the youth to chase non-existent jobs.

"No wonder, there is the urban drift by the youth to chase non-existent jobs in the cities immediately after school," he added. Rt Rev. Asare noted that the Government's poverty reduction strategy was not aiming at the rural poor and urged the district assemblies to ensure that government policies and programmes were executed to bring real benefits to rural dwellers. He condemned extravagant funerals, saying, "Much has been said and discussed in the media but the situation is still the same. It seems we are more interested in the dead than the living." 02 May 06