Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and former President John Agyekum Kufuor, on Sunday joined members of the Peyer Memorial Presbyterian Church at Bantama in Kumasi to give thanks and dedicate them selves to God.

Also in attendance at the colourful ceremony to usher in the New Year were Lady Julia Osei Tutu, wife of the Asantehene, a cross section of traditional rulers, professionals, technocrats and the clergy.

It was all joy as the church rose to welcome the former President and the Asantehene, beautifully dressed in his rich “kente” cloth adorned with gold ornaments amidst the blowing of traditional horns.

The programme, which was organized under the auspices of the Asante Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), was also used to officially launch the Church’s “Mission to the Palace” project, a programme designed to reach out to traditional rulers with the Word of God.

As part of the programme the church played “kete” drums and it was a scene to behold as some traditional rulers and church members danced to the tune.

The programme was on the theme; “Empowered by the Holy Spirit – Christ dwells among us”.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said “all power belongs to God,” and as such it was his prayer that God continues to shower on him His mercies and blessings to help empower him for the task ahead.

“It is my prayer that the Almighty God blesses Asanteman and also grant me the wisdom to rule effectively for the benefit of my people,” he said.

He commended the church for its resolve to deepen relationship with traditional rulers, saying the two institutions had something in common as they were all committed to serving the people.

The Asantehene called for unity among the people since there could not be any meaningful development without peace.

Former President Kufuor commended the church for being worthy partners of the state in development.

“During my eight-year rule as President I was fascinated by the efforts of the Church to enhance educational and health development in its own small way to mitigate the plight of the people,” he acknowledged.

Former President Kufuor said the church should not relent in its avowed agenda to ensure total progress for the benefit of the people.

Very Rev. Dr Prempeh charged Christians to maintain good moral standards in their endeavours.

He said they should also foster good relationship with their neighbours and be law-abiding to enhance social harmony.