The Right Reverend Professor Osei Safo-Kantanka, Methodist Bishop of Kumasi, has taken a swipe at political parties for being pre-occupied with their own selfish needs to the detriment of the socio-economic development of the masses.

“Our political parties are more concerned with winning and retaining power than developing the country," he observed, saying this had created a situation where “the country seems to always be in an election mood.”

The Methodist Bishop advocated a change in attitude amongst politicians, and urged them to demonstrate accountability in leadership with the laying of very good foundations in all sectors of the economy to advance the cause of humanity.

The nation, he said, must build strong institutions and structures, taking into account the welfare of the people at all times.

Rt. Rev. Prof. Safo-Kantanka was addressing the opening session of the 53rd Annual Synod of the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana (MCG), at Kwadaso in Kumasi.

The four-day programme is being held on the theme “The Spiritual Gifts in a Liturgical Church”. The Synod is being used to assess performance of the church as per the targets set over the years.

It would review the state of affairs in respect of the church and education, finance and project development, missionary work and spiritual growth, as well as the church and governance in Ghana.

The Methodist Bishop called on Circuits and Societies to contribute passionately to realize development projects initiated by the church, particularly in the area of real estate development, construction of malls, hospitals and schools.

The Very Rev Christopher Nyarko Andam, the Diocesan Synod Secretary, challenged delegates to take the synod seriously to advance the cause of the church.