...to turn fortunes of region round

Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze, on Thursday attributed the region's downward trend in economic growth and prosperity, to the numerous land and chieftaincy disputes and the "pull him down" attitude of the people.

He was unhappy that the region, which was once enviable and had a glorious status, was gradually and steadily experiencing a deterioration of its image and position of glory.

Mr Edumadze said this when he opened a three-day seminar for heads of churches, pastors and Christian workers as part of the Central Regional prayer evangelism crusade dubbed, 'CENTRAPEC' 2003, at Cape Coast. It is on the theme: "Heal our land oh Lord, the strategic role of the church in the region and national development".

It is geared towards seeking God's intervention to help solve the region's problems, particularly in investment drive.

The Regional Minister regretted that people in the region were only good at destroying their kith and kin and exposing themselves to public ridicule.

He called for a "change of heart" on the part of the people, both as individuals and as a region, and to seek divine intercession to exorcise the "darkness" in their hearts and implant in them purity of love and selflessness.

The Reverend Isaac Quansah, Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, also underscored the need for people in the region to invite God to help find a solution to the problems of the region.

He was hopeful that with God's intervention, vices like bribery, corruption, cheating and indiscipline, would minimised in the region and called for change of character to help build the region and nation.

The three-day event would be rounded off with a thanksgiving service on Sunday.