Winneba (C/R), Dec. 26, GNA - The Minister for Transport and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr Mike Hammah has appealed to churches to put in place policies and programmes that would help the youth to refrain from all anti-social vices. The Minister said the youth, as future leaders, must be trained properly and given the necessary education that would equip them to play their roles in society.

He said the present situation, where most of the youth have taken to excessive drinking and indulging in internet fraud, is not in the interest of the nation.

Mr Hammah was addressing a five-day Christmas convention of the Abasraba District branch of the Church of Pentecost in Winneba. It was under the theme "Behold the Lamb of God" The MP urged Ghanaians to pray fervently during difficulties, because prayer and fasting are ways of talking to God. Mr Hammah called for collaboration between the state and the church to enhance the development of the nation.

Mr Nii Ephraim, Effutu Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) called on parents to make the education of their children their top most priority. In a sermon Rev. Frank Awuah Fordjour, Pastor in charge of the church, asked Ghanaians to use the Christmas to take stock of their lives and plan properly towards the coming year. Rev. Fordjour stressed the need for people to have a purpose in live and to strive hard to always worship God "because with God all things are possible". The congregation prayed for forgiveness, blessings, total deliverance and continued peace and harmony in the country.