Tarkwa (W/R), Sept. 6, GNA- Women groups need dynamic leaders with a sense of mission, to design programmes that can promote their welfare. Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister said this at the opening of a four-day second biennial conference of Women's Fellowship of the Methodist Church at Tarkwa on Friday.

He said if one wants to be propelled by real faith to do the work of God, then one must allow the Holy Spirit to change one's life to the path of righteousness.

Mr Aidoo said Christian belief should reflect in the lives of Christians adding that the faithfuls should lead exemplary lives worthy of emulation.

He said the faith women receive must be used to promote the work of God and the welfare of their families.

This, the Minister said, is the only way Christian women could be seen as playing an important role in shaping the society.

In a speech read for her, Mrs. Gladys Asmah, Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, said parenting a child is not limited to the biological parents of the child but a shared responsibility by parents and the community.

She said in recent times, there seem to be a tendency on the part of society to ignore its responsibility of training of the younger ones, adding that the cherished extended family system exist only in name. Mrs Asmah said there has been a consistent breakdown of the extended family system, which was a fundamental caring unit of society. The Minister said, the government is promoting responsible parenting through educational and advocacy programmes and also provide financial assistance to mothers to become more effective partners to their spouses.

The Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Asante Antwi, Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church of Ghana, appealed to Christian Women to help nurture the younger ones within the Fellowship to take over from them when they are in their old age.

Kasapreko Kwame Basanyin III, Paramount chief of Wassa Amenfi and President of Western Regional House Chiefs chaired the function.