Kpando (V/R), April 14, GNA - The unprecedented rise in crimes and other social vices in the country constitute a challenge to churches to work harder in order "to touch the hearts of the people". Mr Pius Adanuti, Acting Kpando District Chief Executive made the call at the inauguration of the Kpando District branch of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church at Kpando on Tuesday.

He said it was ironical that the inclination towards social vices and crime was gaining grounds at the same time that many churches were emerging in the country.

Mr Adanuti wondered if that was not an indication of the failure of the "Church and its leaders to touch the hearts of their flocks to lead morally upright lives".

He therefore, exhorted the SDA to combine its spiritual mission with programmes that address the social and material needs of the marginalized in both the church and communities so that Christianity could have greater relevance to the people.

Reverend Samuel Koranteng, President of the Ghana Conference of the SDA church called for unity and cohesion among the church, state and community and for ministers of the gospel to be worthy ambassadors of Jesus Christ wherever they were.

Togbe Dagadu VII, Paramount Chief of the Akpini Traditional Area urged the SDA church to preach sanitation and good environmental practices to its members as "cleanliness is next to godliness".