Sekondi, May 10, GNA- Mr. Anthony Evans Amoah, Western Regional Minister, on Wednesday said despite public education against indiscipline and efforts of religious bodies to train the youth and society, moral degeneration seems to be on the ascendancy. Mr Amoah made the comment at the opening of a five-day Joint Anglican Diocesan Council (JADC) meeting at Sekondi.

Mr. Amoah said, "Indecent dressing, promiscuity, disrespect for the elderly, smoking, drunkenness, drug peddling and other negative practices seem to be common place in society".

"If we allow these social vices to gain roots in our society, the future of our country would be jeopardised and posterity will not forgive us".

Mr. Amoah urged parents and guardians to take a critical look at the way they instil values in children. He said although it has been established that about 70 per cent of the Ghanaian population is Christian, this is not portrayed in their way of life as followers of Christ.

Mr. Amoah urged the clergy to advise and caution people in authority when they go wrong through memoranda and informal discussion. They should also ensure harmony and peace in their churches so that these virtues are replicated in the wider society, he said. Right Reverend Francis Quarshie, the Presiding Bishop and Bishop of Koforidua, commended the government for constructing roads and social infrastructure in all parts of the country.

He said although the economy has improved, this is not reflected in the standard of living of the average Ghanaian.

Right Reverend Quarshie urged the government to reduce taxes on solar equipment as a way of solving the country's energy crisis. Right Reverend John Kwamina Otoo, Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, said the diocese is steadily recovering from factional differences. He said some priests and members of the church have broken away and established the Church of SS Peter and Paul at Sekondi. Right Reverend Otoo said the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle at Sekondi where the disturbances occurred is re-registering members and so far, 500 people have been registered.

Mrs (Dr) Marian Araba Akrofi, the Mother Superior, inaugurated the first Bishop Wives Conference of the Church of the Province of West Africa (CPWA).

Mrs Akrofi who is the wife of Most Reverend (Dr) Justice Akrofi, Archbishop of the CPWA, announced that the first conference of the Bishop Wives Conference would take place at the University of Ghana, Legon, from May 19-26 this year. She said the objectives of the Bishop Wives Conference include the education of wives of Bishops and Priests of the Church on issues such as leadership, marriage, micro finance and health among others. 10 May 07