Ghanaians have been urged to use the New Year to thank the Almighty God for the peace and tranquility he bestowed on the nation in 2013, even as Ghana passes through more challenging times.

“We need to lift up our voices to praise God for the wonderful things He bestowed upon us as well as the peace and stability we are still enjoying as a Nation,” Reverend Obed Asamoah, Senior Pastor at the Gospel Faith Ministry, A- Lang, in Accra, said in a sermon at an all-night church service to usher in the New Year.

He quoted the Psalmist as saying: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.”

Rev. Asamoah said there was the need for Ghanaians to take stock and see where they went wrong as individuals and as a nation and work hard to improve the lot of the society.

“If we want to build a better nation, then, let us do away with hatred, bitterness, greediness, corruption, tribalism, back-biting, unforgiving spirit…and embrace the spirit of love, unity, forgiveness, tolerance, faithfulness, humility and hard working.”

He urged Christians “to walk in the spirit” so that they could be directed and led in all their endeavours to succeed.

Members of the congregation all dressed in white apparel said prayers for President John Dramani Mahama, the Vice President, ministers of state, the minority and all those in leadership positions for God to grant them the wisdom and the strength to lead the country.

Pastor Dorcas Akwaah, Associate Pastor of the church also advised Ghanaians to focus on God in 2014 as God has good things in store for the nation and its people who are so blessed with natural and human resources.