Kumasi, June 1, GNA - Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister,

has observed that challenges facing Ghana demanded a more aggressive evangelisation and soul-saving activities by the church and all other religious bodies. "I therefore, wish to entreat churches and other religious organisations in the country to team up with government, and its agencies in ensuring that, bad attitudes and behaviours that have been the bane of ou r under-development are removed," he said.

Mr Opoku-Manu made the observation in an address read on his behalf at a thanksgiving service to climax activities marking the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Asante Presbytery Men's Fellowship of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), at Peyer Memorial Congregation, at Bantama, Kumasi .. The celebration was under the theme: "Let Us Rise Up and Build-Role of Men". He said "Government believes that, God certainly works through his people and for that matter, the church can make a big difference in the nation's quest to chart a new course that would bring the required change in the right direction we are all advocating and expecting". "It should not be forgotten that, in the midst of all the challenge s of our time, God is capable of turning things around to achieve the Bette r Ghana Agenda". Mr Opoku-Manu commended efforts by leadership of the fellowship and

the church, for the high level of support and unity of purpose that had s een it through these years, to address the social and material well being of its members and society. "It is my prayer and hope that this spirit of togetherness would spu r the fellowship on in the years ahead, "he added.

Mr Opoku-Manu pointed out that the anniversary celebration, had provided another opportunity for members to review their performances and

see where they faulted as a fellowship, and use those experiences of the past to adopt measures that would not only consolidate their gains, but a lso enable them further promote the vision and well being of the fellowship. He said the core values of the Presbyterian Church, discipline, resp ect for the elderly, hard work, communalism, truthfulness and service to God and mankind, were still relevant but unfortunately, the current society was faced with all kinds of activities and social vices, which sometimes questioned the country's image as a highly religious nation.

"In most cases, the youth who are expected to hold the fort while we

are gone, are the ones involved and worse affected," he added. To the fellowship, Mr Opoku-Manu said as it continued to engage in teachings and activities aimed at advancing the social and economic advancement of members, greater efforts should be made to ensure that members renewed their faith in the Lord and live lives worthy of emulatio n. "Let us all therefore, be law-abiding and responsible citizens who a re prepared to put our collective efforts together to build our nation. It i s my hope and prayer that you would on this occasion resolve to lead lives befitting your status as Christian men and possibly win more souls to you r fold, "he said. Reverend Peter Kofi Nyarko, Bantama District Minister in a sermon, called on all and sundry to see their calling to duty in any aspect of society as ordained by God and should live up to expectation. "We should not see our position in society to lord over others or indulge in vices detriment to social upliftment and development, but as G od's creation use our talents, skills and experience towards socio-economic development in the country," he added.

Mr P.K. Amoako, Asante Presbytery Vice President of the Fellowship s aid they had embarked upon the construction of two hostels at Kwamo in the Ejisu-Juaben District. He explained that they were to be used as a conference centre and th e other activities for use by congregational groups in the church, other religious organisations, and provision of accommodation for tourists as w ell as a training centre for the church.