Accra, Aug 14, GNA - The Christian Council of Ghana on Tuesday asked government to ensure that there was a fair playing field for all who wanted to offer their services to the nation through election 2008. In a pastoral letter the Council stated, "We would like to see the discussion of issues, programmes and proposals rather than the trading of insults.

"We trust the Electoral Commission will come out with what it needs for the conduct of a free and fair election soon for election 2008 and when it does that the necessary funding and logistic will be provided on time".

The Council urged the faithful to continue to watch and pray for elections 2008.

Expressing its deepest appreciation to President John A. Kufuor and his government for the economic and political stability that the country was enjoying, the Council wished the President good health and effective leadership for the last one and half years in office. "We wish to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your assumption of the Chairmanship of the Africa Union and to thank God with you and all Ghanaians for the successful and effective organisation of the current 19th AU Conference".

The letter said despite the gains made in the implementation of poverty reduction strategies, there were still a lot that needed to be done on the social front.

It called on all Ghanaians to play their part in energy conservation by using power frugally, by following the tips and guidelines given by the Energy Commission.

"We note that the indiscriminate felling of trees, clearing of land for farming and building and other human behaviour have contributed to the change in rainfall pattern and the resultant low level of water in the Akosombo Dam".

Touching on the murder cases, the Council abhorred and condemned all forms of murder that seem to be on the increase saying, "The recent unexplained high profile murder cases are unacceptable and we extend our condolences to the bereaved families".

It asked Ghanaians to desist from perpetuating instant justice on suspects and allow all suspects to have the benefit of a fair trial or hearing.

The council reiterated its condemnation on drug traffickers and urged church leaders to intensify their efforts at educating the people, especially the youth, regarding the dangers inherent in drug abuse and drug trafficking.

It said, "The 2007 World Drug Report by the Un office on Drugs and Crime says 21.5% of Ghanaians aged from 15-64 smoked marijuana or used the cannabis products in 2006. The world average is 3.8%. that Ghana is ranked third in the world for marijuana use is very horrifying news. We must eschew this habit, destroy all such farms and products. Perhaps it is the drug abuse that fuels the ascending of mental problems, occultism, mob justice, armed robbery and rape. It is time for us all to work at ending this menace.

Touching on chieftaincy disputes, the Council said it was grieved that chieftaincy conflicts and disputes seemed to be intractable. It expressed the hope that under the leadership of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture the traditional rules for chieftaincy and succession would be clearly defined and documented.

"We particularly hope that chieftaincy disputes in the Ga state which nearly marred the celebration of the Ga Homowo which showcases the rich culture of the Ga-Adangme people would be resolved amicably for subsequent Homowo festivals to be celebrated peacefully," the Council stated.

It expressed satisfaction with the smooth transition in the use of the new currency, and commended the Bank of Ghana for its role. On the erosion of moral values and culture, the Council said this was due to the availability of the media and the opportunity to travel. "Regrettably, we seem to be importing and imbibing the worst forms of what we see in the media" the letter said, "We note that certain factors are contributing to this erosion of moral values such as poor character training and lack of moral guidance of our youth at home, school and even in the church.

"Excessive love of money and the glamorisation of wealth regardless of its source, the poor example from some civil and religious leaders whose lifestyle and pronouncements leave much to be desired and the illiteracy and poverty of the majority of our people.

"It is the result of these factors was the indiscipline seen on the roads resulting in fatal accidents; the improper dressing of the youth even in church; uncouth language; and the boldness of homosexuals and lesbians to hold companies in Ghana".

The letter asked the faithful to pray for the government, nation and the people, adding, "if we expect God to bless us as a nation we must trust him by obeying his laws".