Kumasi, March 12, GNA - Ghanaians have been urged to accord the necessary respect to persons in authority for the promotion of national cohesion and unity.

The Most Reverend Gabriel Justice Anokye, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi, who made the call, said it was about time that the citizenry exhibited civility towards those in leadership positions and resolved to do away with practices and actions that sought to bring the hard won image of people in authority into disrepute. He was speaking at the induction of Mrs Mary Anane-Druye as the newly appointed Principal of the Saint Louis Teacher Training College at a ceremony in Kumasi at the weekend.

Mrs Anane-Druye, who is the first product of the college to be appointed as Principal, replaces Mrs Georgina Ofori, who retired recently after 10 years of dedicated service. Most Rev Anokye said much as leaders represented the interest of the people they must be given all the necessary support by the citizenry in their endeavours for the improvement of the socio-economic conditions in the country.

"We must refrain from meting out unwarranted verbal attacks, lies and gossips to our leaders and rather criticize them constructively to ensure that they performed up to expectation", he said. The Auxiliary Bishop charged the newly appointed Principal to always work within the confines of the college's rules and regulations to enhance the school's image.

Mrs Anane-Druye commended the college authorities and the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi for the confidence reposed in her and promised to live up to expectation.