Takoradi, March 6, GNA - Mr Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister said environmental protection and sanitation must be the priority of every Ghanaian, irrespective of ones religious, educational or social background.

He said several environmental issues, which could have been handled by the community and on individual basis, have been neglected, thereby creating filthy, and stinking odours in many parts of the country. Mr Aidoo, who was speaking at the Non-Denominational Prayer Launch of the Jubilee celebrations of Ghana's independence.

The Jubilee celebrations, which is jointly being organised by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Sekondi-Takoradi Ministers Network, which would be held in 2007, begun with a prayer and vigil service at the Takoradi Polytechnic area on Saturday Mr Aidoo said Christians and people of other faiths must work hand in hand in improving the socio-economic welfare of the Country. Mr Joe Baidoo-Ansah, Member of Parliament for Effia-Kwesiminstim said the media must assist in developing the nation.

He said the role of the media was critical in sustaining the country's democratic values and this vital role must not be abused. Very Reverend Daniel De-graft Brace, Synod Secretary of the Sekondi Diocese of the Methodist Church said the country needed to forge ahead in its quest for democratic change, irrespective of the political, social and economic consequences.

He said coups and terrorism were hindrances to democratic freedom and every Ghanaian must work hard to prevent such occurrences in the country.

Rev. Brace said Christians and society at large must rise and speak against evil, adding that, 'if we failed in this duty, our vision of a stable and free country would be destroyed".

The programme was interspersed with dancing, singing, reciting the national pledge and singing the national anthem.

Rev. Emmanuel Boamah-Agyekum, Coordinator of the Jubilee celebrations said the focus was meant to re-awaken the interest of Ghanaians in their nations past, find suitable means to expressing their views and seeking debt relief both internally and externally. 6 March 06