Accra, Sept 4, GNA - The Rotary Clubs of Ghana under the Rotary International District 9100 on Saturday, launched the centennial celebrations with an appeal to members to ensure that they continue to work for the benefit of society.

A tree planting exercise at the Airport roundabout preceded the launching with the motto "Service Above Self".

Activities lined up for the "100 years of service" celebrations include a launch by Vice President Aliu of postage stamps with the first African Rotary President embossed on it on September 14 and the ringing of the Centennial Bell by President Kufuor on September 25.

The Club would also organise a party for physically challenged children at the Efua Sutherland Park, hold a forum on "indiscipline on the roads" and a flag hoisting ceremony at the forecourt of the International Conference Centre on the centennial day, February 27. Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, Minister for the Modernization of the Capital City who launched the celebrations said Rotary had been "a force for good" as it had provided a lot of services to the community. "You cannot be a complete human being if you only serve yourself," he said and called on members to work even harder to serve their communities.

Mr. Sam Okudzeto, Immediate Past Director of the Clubs, said every district was enjoined to undertake a project that would help improve the lives of people especially in deprived communities. He stressed the need to build a strong fellowship and relations among members of the club and their communities. Mr. Okudzeto said the climax of the celebration would be held in Chicago, USA in July next year and called on members to endeavour to attend.

Rotary, the first and oldest service club was founded in Chicago on February 23 1905 and has since performed humanitarian services as well as helped to build goodwill and peace in the world. About 44 projects implemented by Rotary clubs in Ghana include the Polio eradication campaign since 1984, the establishment of a TB Clinic at the La Polyclinic and a Warders' quarters at Nsawam.