Apam, Feb 26, GNA - The Omanhene of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, Obrifo Ahunaku Ahor Ankobea II, has called on Ghanaians not to take the peace the nation was enjoying for granted but to make an effort to maintain it.

He commended the leaders of the nation for their humility and stated that, "God abhor proud life styles" and had humbled many proud leaders.

Obrifo Ahor Ankobea was speaking at a non-denominational Church service at Apam, organised by the Local Council of Churches in collaboration with the District Assembly to launch activities marking the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the country's Independence. The theme for the service was, "Ghana at 50 forging ahead with Jesus Christ as our banner".

The Omanhene identified indiscipline as the bane of Ghana's problems and said, "People should not use democracy as a licence to say whatever they like and even insult our leaders".

The Gomoa District Chief Executive (DCE), Ms Joyce Aidoo, called on Ghanaians to think about what they could do for the nation to be remembered during the centenary celebration of Ghana's Independence in the next 50 years.

Ms Aidoo noted that Ghanaians were paying tribute to the "Big Six" and other dignitaries who fought for the country's freedom from colonial rule 50 years after Independence because of their sacrifices. "They have played their part and gone, it is now our turn to be counted among the great citizens"

The DCE urged Ghanaians not to allow party politics, ethnic and religious affiliation to divide their ranks but to strive to maintain the unity of the nation "as one people with a common destiny". In a sermon the Reverend Michael Abaidoo, Superintendent Minister of the Apam Mount Zion Methodist Church, called on Ghanaians to "respect the 50th year and make it holly, proclaim freedom for all inhabitants, forgive our debtors, return seized property or those mortgaged back to their owners, and the slaves and captives set free to join their families".

Rev. Abaidoo stressed the need for over-cultivated lands to be allowed to fallow during this Jubilee year to regain their fertility, adding that, "the year should also be used to bridge the gap between the rich and poor".

"We should respect our leaders and perform our duties with free heart voluntarily", the Rev. Minister, said and urged the people to respect and protect the environment.

"Be bold to tell any person who is littering to stop it", he said and called on Ghanaians to seek God's guidance in all that they did. Some of the activities for the Jubilee celebration planned for the District include quiz competitions, settling of chieftaincy and land disputes, the honouring of some citizens and fun games.