The Upper East Regional Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, the Reverend Lazarus Akaburi, on Monday appealed to traditional authorities through the Regional Minister, Mr Mahami Salifu, to encourage young widows to remarry to curb the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease.

Rev Akaburi made the appeal at the end of a three-day Easter Convention at Zuarungu near Bolgatanga. He said the practice where traditional authorities prohibit young widows from remarrying but allow them to remain at their late husband's homes is a contributory factor to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Bolgatanga.

He said the widows, who are often molested, have no choice but to succumb to the wishes of the traditional authorities. He appealed to the government to act to save the situation. The Regional Minister Mr Mahami Salifu, said people's attitudes could not be changed by force but through education and persuasion.

He added, "it is not by power or might of man but by the will of God, that brings about change." The guest speaker at the function, the Rev. Christ Dzoadze asked Christians to follow the principles of the Bible prove that they are victors. He said they must live by the example of the crucifixion of Christ, without bitterness, sin or vengeance, and urged all people to "proclaim the newness of Jesus."