Ho, Aug. 21, GNA - The Right Reverend Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has exhorted leaders to utilize their positions to the advantage of their people.

"Effective leaders are humbled by their powers and privileges," he said.

Rt. Rev. Dr Frimong-Manso was addressing the 28th National Delegates Conference of the Men's Fellowship of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, in Ho, under the theme: "Empowered by the Holy Spirit for Impartial Leadership."

He said the temptation of leadership is that it provides the opportunities to take advantage of situations for personal profit.

Dr Frimpong-Manso said under such situations, "Remaining ethical at all times is perhaps the greatest challenge that a leader must face."

"Frequently, therefore, we hear of governmental leaders creating laws that will result in personal profit or legislators taking money from lobbyists in return for supporting laws contrary to the interest of the people they should be serving."

He said like political leaders, some among the clergy, often sacrifice the wellbeing of their congregations for their personal gain.

Rt. Rev. Dr Frimpong-Manso said those who are leading and building for the "Lord" at every level of society must maintain constant vigilance against falling into questionable activities or would be caught in compromising situations.

He said like the biblical Nehemiah, leaders must exhibit four noble qualities: "refusal to abuse privileges; avoiding any appearance of wrongdoing; setting good examples; and looking to God rather than men for their rewards," so that they could offer selfless service.

He said like Jesus Christ, leaders must be servant-leaders imbued with "impartial spiritual leadership."

Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, said the government recognizes "the primacy of God in the lives of our people as individuals and as a nation."

He said the government accepts constructive criticisms as means of helping to serve the people better and would, therefore, spare no efforts in ensuring that the citizenry derived optimum benefits from the collaborative and complementary activities between the Church and State.

Mr Amenowode urged the Church to come on board in implementing the National Youth Policy so as to collectively direct the lives of the youth to become effective leaders.