Mr Victor Smith, Eastern Regional Minister, has appealed to religious leaders to entreat political heads to respect State institutions and the laws of the country.

He explained that, disrespect for State institutions established to ensure law and order do not promote peace but lawlessness.

Mr Smith was speaking at the thanksgiving service marking the 50th anniversary celebration of the Reverend Fredrich Monninger Memorial Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Akosombo on Sunday.

The Church which started with 38 members now has more than 1,400 congregation with branches in other parts of the Asuogyaman District.

The Regional Minister said, elections were meant to strengthen democracy but not to plant fear of possible outbreak of violence in the citizens.

He appealed to the religious organisations to assist the Electoral Commission and the National Commission on Civic Education to educate their congregation on the Biometric Registration exercise and their civic rights and responsibilities.

Mr Smith appealed to religious organisations to pray for peace as this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections approaches.

In a sermon Rev Dr J. O. Y. Mante, President of the Trinity Theological Seminary, appealed to the leadership of the church to allow the youth to express themselves in the worship and adoration of the Lord.

He urged Christians not to allow people’s perception about them to suppress their initiative and dampen their spirit, but allow only God to determine their future and open opportunities for them.

As part of the celebrations, a newly acquired bus for the local mission school was commissioned by the Regional Minister.**