Koforidua, Sept.10, GNA - The Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Francis Osafo-Mensah has urged couples to observe absolute fidelity in order to promote strong family bond.

He also asked wives to support their husbands financially and to be patient, tolerant and avoid comparing their marital lives with others. Dr Osafo-Mensah said this in a speech read on his behalf, during the official opening of the 29th Inter-Church annual Women's Conference of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), in Koforidua on Thursday. The conference which drew about 100 participants, from all parts of the country was on the theme: "Fidelity in Marriage and Relationships: The Role of Women".

Dr Osafo-Mensah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, asked husbands to love and respect their wives and treat them with dignity.

He underscored the importance the Government attached to women issues, hence the creation of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs.

The Coordinator of Family Life/Gender Issues of the CCG, Mrs Lydia Adajawah asked couples to prepare adequately for marriage to avoid infidelity.

The Queenmother of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Yaa Daani the II called on Christian women groups to fight immorality and indiscipline among their peers.

The Regional Director of Education, Mrs Ewurabena Ahwoi who chaired the function, urged married women to commit themselves to the promotion of sustainable marriages by being patient, tolerant and forgiving. As Christian women, she urged them to be more prayerful and always reflect on their shortcomings in order to correct them.