Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 21 Dec. '98

An urgent appeal has been made to the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to ban the use of fire crackers and explosives during the Christmas festivities in the Kumasi Metropolis. Reverend Ben Mills, Pastor in-charge of the AME Zion church in Kumasi, said the irresponsible use of the fire crackers and explosivesin the metropolis has now become a nuisance, posing seriousdanger and thereby a grave source of worry to residents of Kumasi. Rev Mills made the appeal at the "Nine Lessons and Carols" serviceheld at the AME Zion church in Kumasi to usher in the Christmas. He observed that, even though, the explosive devices imported and being sold on the market were intended to be used in a much safermanner and make the Christmas very enjoyable, people have now turned to use them as weapons of destruction. Rev Mills regretted that quite apart from throwing these devicesinto crowds and congregations in churches, it also could havelong term effect on the health of the people. He advised Ghanaians not to leave the destiny and security of the country into the hands of only the security agencies but also get actively involved through counselling of their wards and peers aboutthe dangers of irresponsible life styles.