Regional News of Monday, 21 November 2005

Source: GNA

"Don't entrench yourselves in power- African leaders advised

Cape Coast, Nov. 21, GNA - The Anglican Bishop of Cape Coast, the Right Reverend Daniel Allotey, on Sunday advised African leaders to refrain from "entrenching themselves perpetually in power", in order to curb the spate of conflicts on the continent.

He stressed that what should be of utmost importance to such leaders, was to ensure that, their stipulated periods in power, greatly enhanced the quality of life for their people.

Rt. Rev. Allotey gave the advice at a church service to climax the 140th anniversary celebration of the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in Cape Coast, under the theme "140 Years of Faithful Service to God and Mankind- The Way Forward".

The Cathedral was the first Anglican Church to be established in the then Gold Coast, in 1865.

Rt. Rev. Allotey, also urged Ghanaians to endeavour to forgive one another and in the spirit of reconciliation, evolve strategies to fight against negative tendencies that impinge on the progress of the nation. He took the opportunity to appeal to all Ghanaians to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, cholera, and in efforts to eradicate poverty in the country.

In a message, the Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze commended the church for its immense contribution towards the socio-economic development of region and the country as a whole and hoped it would do more to improve upon the lives of the people in the years ahead. In his message, the Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, exhorted the Church to serve as an instrument to facilitate "relief and bring hope" to the people.