Kumasi, Dec 8, GNA - The immediate past Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), the Rt Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, has appealed to African leaders to step up diplomatic efforts at helping to calm the growing political tension in Cote d'Ivoire. Africa, he said, was sick and tired of civil strife and could not afford to see another bloody conflict break in Cote d' I'Ivoire. Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso was delivering the sermon at a thanksgiving service organized by the Asante Presbytery of the PCG to bring the curtain down on his six-year term at the Bantama Peyer Memorial Church in Kumasi. "Everything must be done to aid political leaders there to find a common ground and act in the best interest of their country," Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said.

The appeal comes as the two men who faced off in a recent presidential re-run, President Laurent Gbagbo and Mr Alhassane Ouattara, have claimed victory and formed separate governments. Rt Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso said if the situation was allowed to snowball into nasty confrontation the effects would be devastating on the entire continent, especially the West African sub-region. This is what we must all help to avoid, he said, adding that the religious bodies should pray fervently for God's intervention to allow sober minds to prevail. He thanked members of the church for their prayers, cooperation and unflinching support during his watch and asked that the same should be extended to his successor. Rt-Rev Dr Frimpong-Manso also conveyed appreciation to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Asanteman for the enormous encouragement to the church. 08 Dec 10