Winneba, April 30, GNA- The Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Arthur has expressed grave concern about the way some priest and preachers emphasise on money, prosperity and comfort gospels that benefit them more than their flock. "Some of the churches are money conscious and they seem to forget the purpose for which it has been established". Nana Ato Arthur made this known when he addressed the 46th annual Synod of the Methodist Church Ghana of Winneba dioceses at Winneba. The Regional Minister said there was the need for churches as the light of the World and conscience to take up the mantle of shaping the moral lives of its members.

He called on the clergy to use their highly esteemed platform to preach about the harmful effects of the HIV/AIDS menace, drug trafficking, drug abuse and the upsurge of indiscipline in the society. Nana Ato Arthur charged parents, guardians and religious leaders to kick against the reported cases of students at the second and tertiary institutions practicing occultism. He said the government continues to welcome and appreciate the complementary role the Methodist Church Ghana is playing on education and health.

On the Aboakyer festival scheduled for May 5 2007, Nana Ato Arthur urged the Chiefs and the p eople of Effutu Traditional Area to celebrate the festival in peace. The Right Reverend Dr Ekow Ghunney, Bishop of the Winneba Dioceses said the church would ensure that all members are registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He commended the government for the Youth Employment Programme and appealed to officials handling it to make sure that it's properly handled to benefit everyone.

Mr P. C. Appiah Ofori, MP for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, charged churches to be bold and point out corrupt practices among politicians and governments officials to stem corruption. He said church leaders would be able to do this effectively if they themselves avoid corruption in the church.