The Church has been urged to provide the needed leadership to help defuse tension and promote genuine national reconciliation.

The Reverend Philip Kwadwo Boadi, Founder and leader of the House of Prayer and Evangelistic Ministry in Kumasi, said there could not be any illusion about the sharp divisions and bitterness in the society and that was why the church must do more to assist the people to overcome their differences.

He was speaking at the start of a 14-day prayer and fasting session by the ministry for continued peace and progress of the nation at Susanso, Kumasi.

It is being held under the theme “Divine favour”.

The Rev Boadi invited all to pray to God to grant the Justices of the Highest Court, and Supreme Court, the gift of courage as they decide on the landmark election challenge by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) concerning the December 7 presidential poll results declared by the Electoral Commission (EC).

It is in the interest of the peace and security of the country that the dispute is adjudicated fairly and justly without fear or favour.

He predicted that year 2013 was going to be “very challenging” and called for unceasing prayers by Christians.

Already there had been fatalities on the roads and other disasters, something he interpreted as a wake-up call to all to remain steadfast in “our faith and intercessory prayers”.

Rev Boadi asked the people to turn away from evil and to give their lives to God.

This, he said, was the only way to assure the nation of God’s continued grace, mercies and abundant blessing.