Asamankese (E/R), Feb. 25, GNA - Apostle Joel Kofi Ayim, Founder and Leader of Christ Compassion Ministry International Church (CCMIC), has stressed the need for Christians to forsake their evil ways for the good of the Church and nation.

He emphasized the need for them and members of other religious organizations in the country to intensify prayers to ensure a "smooth and orderly" celebration of Ghana's Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations before and after March 6th, this year.

Addressing members of the Church at special pre-anniversary service at Asamankese, the Headquarters of the Church, Apostle Ayim recalled the serine atmosphere, which engulfed the entire nation on March 6th, 1957, when the nation gained independence from colonial rule and advised Ghanaians to set aside partisan sentiments to allow a similar atmosphere to prevail during and after next month's celebration.

Apostle Ayim said this is the time Ghanaians must allow the "spirit of forgive and forget" to permeate all aspects of national life so that collectively the people could demonstrate to the outside World that we are one people with a common destiny of building a united and progressive nation.

He was not happy that in spite of their numerical strength, Christians were the worst offenders of God's Commandments. Apostle Ayim pointed out that Ghana's failure to make ample use of its vast manpower and natural resources for the socio-economic advancement of the citizens stemmed from the continuous "infringement of God's Commandments".

He said, "If the people, especially Christians and Muslims forsake their evil ways, repent and follow diligently the Ten Commandments and guidelines of the Creator, we can easily transform the fortunes of the nation to heal the ailing social, economic, religious, cultural and political structures of the country".

The people, including those in high positions, Chiefs, Church and other Religious Leaders must use the country's 50th anniversary period to reflect seriously on the past deeds and offer continuous and faithful prayers to God for forgiveness of sins to enable the nation to obtain perpetual pardon from God.

Apostle Ayim said that when this was done the nation would witness dramatic change in all her endeavours in the coming years to enable generations yet be born also to benefit from the fruits of independence.