Regional News of Tuesday, 27 July 2004

Source: GNA

Minister of religion lauds all-inclusive government

Kumasi, July 27, GNA - A pastor has described the introduction of an all-inclusive government by President John Agyekum Kufuor as not only a prudent decision but also a bold initiative.

Rev Joseph K. Gyimah, leader of the True Light of Christ Church, said by the decision President Kufuor had practically shown that he was not only interested in the welfare of his party but was also concerned about a collective approach to nation building.

Closing a two-day prayer festival held by the church in Kumasi, he said the initiative had facilitated national unity and stability and also helped to tap the expertise of intellectuals outside the ruling party for national development.

"Without the all inclusive government Ghana would have been denied the talents of some seasoned and knowledgeable people to facilitate its economic and democratic growth", he said.

Rev Gyimah attributed the slow pace of development of young economies, especially those of Africa, to the practice whereby a winning party formed the government solely out of its members ignoring those who did not belong to it irrespective of their expertise.

He appealed to Pastors who hid behind their work to buy and ride in luxurious cars to desist from the practice as it turned to undermine the Christian faith.

Rev Gyimah said even though the nature of the work of Pastors demanded cars, such automobiles need not be luxurious, but simple and modest.

"As pastors, you are expected to be role models of moderation, decency and simplicity,'' Rev Gyimah added.