Takoradi, March. 8 - GNA - Mr. Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister has called on Ghanaians to develop an interest in choral and other patriotic programmes instead of relying on foreign programmes and songs.

Mr. Aidoo said, whereas programmes of such nature attract less interest, others that have negative influences are widely patronized. The Regional Minister said this at a choral service organized jointly by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) and the National Commission on Culture (NCC) at Takoradi as part of activities marking the 47th anniversary of Ghana at Takoradi on Sunday.

Mr. Aidoo said there were vital lessons that could be learnt from choral and patriotic songs and appealed to the various district assemblies to include some of them in their activities. He said, "songs should encourage, unite and urge every one on to go the extra mile for the country," and wondered why some people do not love it.

Mr Philip K. Nkrumah, SAEMA Chief Executive advised the youth to patronize choral music since it had a lot of lessons to offer them.