Nkoranza (B/A) Aug. 30, GNA - The Reverend Kwaku Addo-Lartey, Minister in-charge of Nkoranza District Presbyterian Church has urged the government to stand firm and focus on its agenda and programmes aimed at accelerating the country's development. Rev. Addo-Lartey was preaching at a special service to mark the 10th anniversary of the Redemption Presbyterian Church at Nkoranza.

"In every developmental process, man is bound to face challenges and the government must therefore not be discouraged and deterred by criticisms by a section of the people and the media," he said. The religious leader noted: "As uneasy lies the head that wears the crown," the state leadership should be ready to listen to the people's views and deal with them in fairness and firmness".

Rev. Addo-Lartey expressed gratitude to the founding members of the Redemption Church in Nkoranza for their united front and co- operation that had enabled the church to grow for the past 10 years.

Rev. Addo-Lartey called on the leaders of the Church to promote love, unity, peace and understanding among members to enhance its growth to win more members.

Mr. James Appiah-Awuah, District Chief Executive, stressed on the need for religious leaders to use the pulpit to educate congregations on the importance of the National Health Insurance Scheme and to encourage them to patronize it to promote their good health. He urged them to promote truthfulness, faithfulness and fairness among their congregations, emphasizing that as the church is a stakeholder in national development, all Christians should assist in the implementation of government policies.

Mr. Appiah-Awuah advised Christians to live above reproach and let the teachings they received in churches to reflect in their social lives and activities to ensure peace and understanding in the communities. The Redemption Church, the second Presbyterian Church to be established in Nkoranza was started on November 6 1994 with a membership of 22.

Nana Henry K. Affum was the first trained Catechist to serve the Church, formerly known as Nkoranza South Presbyterian Church. In a goodwill message, the Very Rev. Dr. Sam Prempeh, outgoing Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, congratulated members of the church for coming together to spread the word of God.