Kumasi, Jan 3, GNA - The Rev Fr John Opoku, Parish Priest of the Saint Paul's Catholic Church at Amakom, Kumasi, has appealed to Ghanaians to pr= ay for peace in Cote d' Ivoire.

He said Ghanaians should not be indifferent to the political situation in the neighbouring country because apart from being 93our next door neighbour, there are thousands of our brothers and sisters living in that country." He said in the event of any violent clashes the consequences could be far-reaching for Ghana during a special mass held at the Saint Paul's Catholic Church for Ivorian peace.

This comes as the sub-Regional body, ECOWAS, makes fresh attempt at persuading President Laurent Gbagbo to cede political power to his rival Alassane Ouattara, who is internationally recognized as the legitimate winner of the disputed presidential poll. The Catholic Priest counselled diplomacy and not military force for the resolution of the crisis. Rev Fr Opoku appealed to Ghanaians to also pray for God's guidance fo= r the nation's political leadership as they work to bring socio-economic progress. The government should on its part be tolerant of opposing views to brin= g all on board in the development of the country. He expressed worry about the use of intemperate and abusive language by politicians and said this was unhealthy for the peace and stability of the country.