Accra, Aug. 23, GNA - The Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church, Ghana, Right Reverend Dr Livingstone Komla Buama, on Thursday appealed to Ghanaians to stop flooding people in authority with criticisms without giving any positive suggestions that would help them improve upon their work.

He said people in authority were daily confronted with floods of negative comments without positive suggestions, moral laxity, causal and lukewarm attitude to work, apathy, animosity and dishonesty. "Instead of complaining about our ill-fate and misfortunes, let us think about positive ideas and put into operation effective strategic plans that can yield fruitful results," he told delegates and invited guest at the opening of the 66th Synod of the Church at the Trinity Theological Seminary at Legon in Accra.

The synod has attracted delegates from all the nine presbyteries across the country with others from overseas missions. Rt. Rev. Dr Buamah, who was speaking under the theme: "Christian Stewardship Revisited", said the Church chose the theme to give individuals self-understanding in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

He said what the Church and the nation needed presently were people of vision and foresight.

"When we have vision and foresight we would be able to plan well ahead of time and make provision for the future, using honest means." He said as God's stewards all Christians were expected to serve as instruments of change, growth and development.

Touching on the environment, Rt. Rev. Dr Buama said the well-being of citizens depended on the well-being of the natural environment. "When our natural environment is depleted and impoverished our lives are depleted and impoverished. When the natural environment is enhanced and enriched, our lives are enhanced and enriched." Rt. Rev. Dr Buama called on the pastors to spearhead the revolution that could stop the rapid depletion and impoverishment of nature. "We need to set in motion a programme of revival and renewal of our natural environment."

He expressed the hope that the friendly and cordial relationship that existed between the E.P. Church and the government would be further strengthened so that the Church and the state would work together to promote rapid and sound social, political, economic, moral and spiritual growth and development.

Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State in-charge of Tertiary Education, Science and Sports, urged parents to send their children who were four years old and above to school when schools re-opened on September 11.

She said under the new education reform, children were no longer expected to go to school at age six, but rather at age four beginning from Kindergarten.

"Children are the responsibility of parents and so they should all ensure that they send their wards to school when schools re-open." She cautioned those who kept relinquishing their responsibilities to NGOs and other benevolent organizations saying they were only helpers, but the responsibility still remained that of the parent.