Regional News of Monday, 31 December 2007

Source: GNA

Government asked to adopt clear, concise social policy

Accra, Dec.31, GNA - Brother Immanuel Enoch Agbozo, Leader of the Ghana Evangelical Society, at the weekend, appealed to the government to develop a sound, clear and concise social policy that would cater for the welfare of the poor, the weak and vulnerable.

Such a policy he noted would provide the basis for socio-economic development and a definitive quality of life in society. Brother Agbozo made the appeal at an end of year thanksgiving service of the Society in Accra on the theme: "The Christian Faith and You."

He asked government to seek, respect and maintain the divine will in the running of national affairs. Brother Agbozo observed that Ghana was at the threshold of profound changes under the direction, supervision and blessed works and hand of God.

He said the old state of reproach, frustration, disillusionment and desolation was passing away. "Unfortunately the political and cultural landscapes of the country are yet to appreciate and understand, much more acknowledge the hand, works and purposes of God." Brother Agbozo said 2007 had been a blessing for Ghana and listed some of the divine favours such as the election of President John Agyekum Kufuor as Chairman of the African Union, the discovery of oil in commercial quantities and the Millennium Challenge Account, under which the US had offered the country 547 million dollars as development aid. Brother Agbozo said it was time for Ghana to regard the true national priorities and progress of the country as an independent and sovereign nation and eschew policies, directives and practices of dependence and unnecessary and unhealthy alliances with foreign countries.

"In this connection, Ghana's relationship with Europe, America, Asia and Middle East must be held subordinate to the relationship with African countries and socio-economic development of Africa. "Africa's independent development and progress cannot be held hostage to the global trade and investment in so-called Global Village, in which the shots are called by Euro-America, who by definition hold the largest concentration of the wealth of the world." Brother Agbozo said the natural resources of Africa constituted sufficient wealth base with vast opportunities for development devoid of the trappings of foreign controls, exploitation, oppression, manipulation and wicked interferences.