Regional News of Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Source: GNA

The Church is a critical partner for national development-Minister

Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, has said the Church was one critical partner that could support the government’s efforts to transform the economy.

“Inasmuch as the government strives to achieve the better Ghana agenda that we all crave for, you would equally bear with me that government alone cannot do it”, he said.

To this end, he said, there was the need for churches to make deliberate efforts to mobilize communities to take action to solve problems that affect the society.

“We must all remember that citizens who belong to various religious groups are also members of the secular society”, he added.

The minister was addressing a congregation of St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church at the Church’s 80th anniversary celebration and thanksgiving service in Accra.

He said the government was committed to improve the investment climate, create jobs and improve the lives of the people in the country and that the government had showed this through its commitment to expand the School Feeding Program, elimination of schools under trees, provision of free exercise books and uniforms.

Others are increment in the Capitation Grant, construction of classroom blocks and dormitories, provision and refurbishment of libraries.

He commended the churches for their contribution in education, health and other social responsibilities to complement government’s effort in bringing development to the society.