Atibie (E/R), March 6, GNA - The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram-Asiedu, has called on churches and other non-governmental bodies and individuals to partner government in the national development drive.

He said the government's policy of positive change in the atmosphere of freedom could not be achieved, "unless we unite at the community level and turn our fortunes towards development".

Mr Afram-Asiedu was speaking at the inauguration of a GH¢31,177 nine-bedroom mission house for the Atibie District Pastor of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA) at Atibie on Wednesday. He said with partnership with the government, many social amenities would certainly spring up in the communities for the benefit of the people.

Mr Affram Asiedu commended the SDA Church for its role in the development of education, agriculture and health on the Kwahu Ridge where the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, an affiliate of the Church, is currently cultivating a 600-acre mango plantation. He urged the people in the area to work closely with the Church for them to be imbued with the technological advancement in the agro-industry for the creation of employment and reduction of poverty in the area.

The President of the East Ghana Conference of the Church, Pastor Kwabena Twum, said the Atibie/Mpraeso district of the church, which was established in 1985 with nine communities, had now increased to 16 with a membership of 1,530.

He commended the leaders and members of the church for their contribution towards the completion of the project.