Obuasi, March 22, GNA - The Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC) on Sunday held a non-denominational church service at the Obuasi Wesley Cathedral to offer thanks to God for the company's 107 years of operation.

The service, which was attended by several clergymen, including His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson and the Adansihene, Nana Ofori Agyemang II, was also used to pray to God for a successful merger between the company and AngloGold.

There were intercessory prayers against accidents and deaths on the mine, for peaceful industrial year and for good production and productivity for the company.

Mr Daniel Owiredu, the Acting Chief Operating Officer of the company read the first bible reading, while the second reading was done by the new Managing Director, Mr. Nigel Trevarthen.

In his sermon, Cardinal Turkson noted that the celebration of the thanksgiving service had become more particular in view of the fact that AGC is on the verge of merging with AngloGold.

He said the situation presented new possibilities for the company and urged them to take inspirations from the assurance of God[s word. Basing his sermon on Job 28, Cardinal Turkson said it was important for the company to continue to trust in God.

He said the merger with AngloGold was one of crossroad experiences and reminded management that it was a moment of serious decision-making. Cardinal Turkson said such crossroad experiences posed a number of challenges, including the fear of the workers but added that the unfailing love of God was there to guide them to a brighter future.

"The future of the company will continue to be bright," he stressed and urged the staff to gather self-confidence for the task ahead. Mrs Elaine Kwami, the General Manager, Human Resources, who presented the offertory realised at the service to ProLink, an NGO for HIV/AIDS activities said AGC had identified itself to the course of fighting the menace.