Kumasi, Jan. 23, GNA - As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Saint Anthony Catholic Church at Anwomaso near Kumasi, sod has been cut for work to begin the construction of a GH¢436,921 two-storey mission house. The building would house the priest in charge of the Anwomaso branch of the church. It is being built with funds realised from the organisation of fund raising activities.

Breaking the ground on Sunday at a short ceremony, Reverend Father Eric Baffour Asamoah, Assistant Parish Priest for Asokore-Mampong said, there was the need for the congregation to support the development of the church to enable it to support members. Preaching the sermon earlier at the anniversary thanks-giving service, Father Asamoah reminded Christians to show commitment and dedication to their faith since that was the only means by which they could get closer to the Lord and enjoy his favours. He said now that the general election was over, there was the need for the entire nation to forget about their party affiliations and pray for the elected government to govern the nation well for peace and development to prevail as well as to enhance the living standard of the people.

Rev. Fr Asamoah cautioned Ghanaians not to dream of war at all since its effect could not be borne by the nation and cited Kenya, Zimbabwe, Liberia among others, which are going through lots of difficulties due to war, which left many citizens dead or maimed as well as destabilizing their economies.

Mr Joseph Anane, Catechist of the church, who is also a pioneer mentioned that the church which started with only 14 members in 1989, has now 340 members and hoped that it would continue to grow from strength to strength both spiritually and physically. He commended Nana Osei Boa II, Anwomasohene for donating eight plots of land in 1994 towards the church building and thanked the congregation for their support, dedication and commitment that had contributed to the success chalked by the church.

Mr. James Atuahene, Vice President of the Saint Paul's Catholic Church at Amakom, who chaired the ceremony, urged the church to work towards acquiring a plot of land towards the building of a school in the community to complement government effort in educating the people. He appealed to the youth to be serious and participate in the activities of the church and also advised parents to make sure they always go to church with their children to enable them live morally upright lives for non believers to emulate.