Kumawu (Ash), Jan 19, GNA - A Minister of religion has urged Ghanaians irrespective of their differences in religion, culture and political affiliation to strive for peace and justice in the country. Venerable John K. Mensah, the Archdeacon of the Kumawu Archdeaconry of the Anglican Church who made the call, emphasised that peace and justice were essential ingredients for the development of the country. In a new year message to Christians and the entire society at a Local Council of Churches meeting at Kumawu, Venerable Mensah reminded Christians that they have a role to play in making the country peaceful and just.

"If after over centuries of Christianity in Africa and in particular Ghana, there is still no peace and justice among governments, homes and communities, then Christians must take the blame", he said. The Anglican Archdeacon therefore urged Christians to extensively embark on evangelization to influence society on the gifts of peace and justice from God. "Indeed the main reason for the birth of Jesus Christ was to restore peace and justice between God and humanity". Venerable Mensah reminded politicians of the need to live in peace no matter the level of provocation, stressing "the welfare of the state is more critical and important than the individual political parties". "The welfare of Ghana and Ghanaians should be the major priority of politicians and not the in-fightings, accusations and counter-accusations", the man of God said. Touching on chieftaincy disputes in the Kumawu area, Venerable Mensah appealed to kingmakers to help restore peace and justice in the chieftaincy institution.

He said prolonged chieftaincy disputes retard progress and development, and therefore those responsible for the settlement of those disputes should act quickly to bring the development of the area back on track. 19 Jan 10