Koforidua, June 1, GNA - Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, has appealed to members of the church serving in the government and other leadership positions to exhibit integrity and selflessness to make a difference on the political scene. Apostle Onyinah said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, at the residency on Sunday.

He said the church was behind the government to fulfil its promises to the people since it believed that it was the hand of God that caused the change in the 2008 election.

Apostle Onyinah described Mr Ofosu-Ampofo as a committed and active elder of the church and stated that the church would not hesitate to reprimand him when he falls below expectation.

He reminded the regional minister that many people were looking up to him for their survival as a minister while others were also monitoring him because of his position in the church. Apostle Onyinah pledged the support of the church for him and urged him not to hesitate to call on the leadership of the church for direction in critical situations.

Responding, Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said he would make a difference and use his tenure to better the lot of the people in the region. He mentioned HIV/AIDS which, he said caused 23 percent deaths in the region last year, road accidents and "Sakawa" activities as some of the challenges of the region and called for spiritual intervention to overcome them.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said the state appreciated the efforts of the church in the area of education and health in complementing government's efforts.

He said Pentecost Church schools swept all awards at a French competition in the region and commended the church on its efforts to raise the standard of education in the area. Three books authored by the leader of the church were later presented to the minister to enrich his understanding in Christ and to make him a better servant to the people.