The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged members of the opposition parties in Ghana to back government to effectively implement policies and programmes to develop the country.

He also called on politicians to acknowledge their political opponents, asserting that such open acknowledgement shows sincerity.

Speaking at a New Year Service held in his honour at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace on January 1, 2019 by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Otumfuo also called on Ghanaians rally behind President Akufo-Addo to implement policies and programmes that are aimed at bringing about economic prosperity and growth for the nation.

The Asantehene said members of the opposition parties should look for ways to constructively criticize the government by offering suggestions about policies and programmes to be implemented.

The Asantehene, who bemoaned the general disregard for the laws of the country by the citizens, called for attitudinal change this year.

“Let’s do away with the unnecessary gossip, maligning, sabotage, corruption and many other sinful behaviours as religious people. We go to church everyday but still engage in these acts with impunity,” Otumfuo added.

He pledged to continuously tell the truth and obey God always as a traditional leader and urged people in leadership positions to do same.

Otumfuo praised the Presbyterian Church for giving him the opportunity to worship God with them.

The Moderator, Rt Rev Prof Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, in a sermon, called for moral, spiritual and physical cleanliness among the people of God.

He appealed to Ghanaians to work hard to build the nation, indicating that wealth creation is through hard work.

The Moderator also urged the public to show goodwill to leaders of the country and support government to succeed.

Rev Prof Mante lauded Otumfuo for working fervently to resolve the dispute between Abudus and Andanis to bring peace to Dagbon.