Regulate internet cafe operations - Bishop

Kumasi, May 14, GNA - The Most Reverend Aboagye Mensah, outgoing Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, has stressed the need for a legislation to regulate internet caf=E9 operations in the country. He said the current spate of the misuse of internet facilities by the youth to engage in various criminal activities should be a concern to all.

Speaking to newsmen in Kumasi after opening the 48th Annual Synod of the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church on Thursday, Rev Aboagye Mensah said the misuse of the internet was breaking the morale fibre of society.

He said there was the need for a national policy to regulate the operations of cyber cafes to limit their patronage by the youth. He said Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was a necessity in the current global world but if care was not taken, its use could be disastrous to the Ghanaian society.

Rev. Aboagye Mensah said most Ghanaian youth were using the internet to engage in fraudulent activities, occultism and illicit sexual activities among other things that were very dangerous to the future leadership of the country.

He said internet caf=E9 operations should not be seen only as business avenues for profit making but a means to increase access to information and promote national good.

Rev. Aboagye Mensah appealed to the youth to use their energies positively and not to allow themselves to be deceived by worldly materials.

He said the Methodist Church had embarked on a programme to instil good moral values in the youth.

Right Reverend Professor Emmanuel Kwaku Asante, Presiding Bishop elect of the Methodist Church, Ghana told the synod that they were called to rescue the perishing, provide for the poor and guard the rights of the weak.

Speaking on the theme; "Be Your Brothers Keeper," he said it was important for members to put their prejudices and preferences aside and care for one another.

Rt. Rev. Asante said in order to be an effective instruments of change, it was essential that members displayed compassion for one another adding, "growth and positive change demand active participation in the lives of others". He expressed concern about discharged prisoners who become jail birds for lack of rehabilitation and called on Christians to embark on projects of rehabilitating their brothers and sisters who had served terms of imprisonment. 14 May 09