Effiduase-Koforidua, Jan 3, GNA - A Catholic priest has appealed to Ghanaians to work hard to earn income and desist from demanding financial and other inducements from politicians as a basis for supporting them.

''Political leaders alone cannot develop the country. It requires the total contributions of all citizens.''

Rev Fr Alex Ebo Saim, the Parish Priest of the St Theresa Catholic Church, Effiduase-Koforidua, said this at a special thanksgiving Holy Mass requested by Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, the Member of Parliament for New Juaben North, to thank God for his victory in the December 7 elections.

He commended Ghanaians for the peaceful elections and said this enabled the country to maintain its position as a "leading star in Africa."

Rev Fr Saim said since the people prayed for God's guidance in the elections, they should also continue to pray for President J.A. Kufuor's incoming administration and parliamentarians to rule under the blessing and direction of God.

He urged the in-coming administration to serve selflessly and to develop policies and programmes that would promote peace, unity and development.

Mr Owusu-Agyemang pledged to render selfless service to the people.