Accra, March 13, GNA - The Mayor of Accra Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije has said that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) would from 1st April, 2011 start arresting drivers and passengers who buy from those who sell on the streets.

This he said has come about due to the assembly's decision to decong= est the city which had been choked by the activities of hawkers who sell at places and pavements earmarked for pedestrians and vehicles. Mr Vanderpuije, who was speaking during a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service organised by the Garrison Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church at the Burma Camp on Saturday said the decision was in line with a bye laws enacted in 2010 to that effect.

He urged everyone in the metropolis to be law abiding and endeavour to do all they could to keep the city of Accra clean. He praised government for instituting the Thanksgiving Day which sough= t to let Ghanaians show their appreciation to God for His kindness and protection.

"We should use this occasion to thank God for providing Ghana with peace and tranquillity in the Sub region," he said. Brigadier-General Nunoo-Mensah, National Security Advisor, who represented the President, urged Ghanaians to be loyal to the country and work hard.

He urged Ghanaians to endeavour to observe the Thanksgiving Day as it was a day set aside for us to show our appreciation to God for His numerous benefits.

Pastor Dr Adama Larmie, President of the Ghana Union Conference which is the highest governing body of the SDA Church, appealed to Ghanaians to b= e tolerant of each other regardless of one's religious, ethnic or political background.

"By doing this, we will all be working towards ensuring that Ghana i= s safe for us all to live in," he said.

Pastor Larmie appealed to Ghanaians to eschew sin as its consequence was deadly and learn to be honest in dealing with others.