Ghanaians should be patriotic

Tema, Jan. 1, GNA- Ghanaians, have been urged to be patriotic and committed to the development of the nation as the same way they have dedicated their lives to religious beliefs.

Rev Samuel Somuah, Minister-In-Charge of the Grace Congregation Presbyterian Church said for Ghana to develop, the citizens must show commitment to their civic responsibilities in everything they do. In his New Year's message to the nation through the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema, he said "even the bible instructs us to seek the welfare of the nation because our well being is in it."

Ghanaians should not only show patriotism by wearing the country's colours, but also cultivate the habit of maintaining social infrastructures and showing love towards fellow citizens, the Minister further stated. He said one way of helping the country to stay united and develop was by showing love to the underprivileged, which included labourers, house helps among others.

Rev Somuah explained that the underprivileged, which formed the majority of Ghana's population were those who do the difficult work for the comfort of all. He said for them to work diligently and effectively, the privileged in society must motivate them and appreciate their contribution to national development.

The minister entreated the youth to desist from bad behaviours that would mar their future and rather concentrate on contributing their quota to the national development. Rev. Somuah urged them to take advantage of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to acquire practical experiences in their chosen professions.

He called on all the political parties to be tolerant of each other, saying, "politicians should see the peace of the nation as the most thing we all need".

The Minister said political parties and their candidates should help the Electoral Commission to have a free and fair election in December, and urged them to accept "their fate peacefully after the election to avoid any conflict".