Cape Coast, Dec. 24, GNA - Government has been asked to invest benefits to be derived from Ghana's oil industry in the construction of roads, hospitals, schools and other infrastructural development.

The Bishop of the Anglican Dioceses of Cape Coast, Most Reverend Daniel Sylivanus Allotey, who reiterated the call, cautioned government to put in place measures to prevent individuals from stealing or saving the money in foreign banks.

The Bishop, who was delivering his Christmas message through GNA in Cape Coast on Thursday, said that the oil found should be a blessing and not a curse to the country.

Bishop Allotey said if money from the oil found would be properly invested, it would help address the country's economic problems and move it to a middle income status.

He said that Ghana was a blessed country with people who were ready to sacrifice on the "altar of democracy" and urged Ghanaians not to take the current peace prevailing in the country for granted but to build on it. Bishop Allotey commended President Evans Atta Mills for ensuring good governance and asked him not to be intimidated by negative comments made about him but he should remain resolute in his work. He urged Christians to acknowledge the presence of God in their mist and ensure that they live in peace with one another and avoid creating troubles during the yuletide.

Bishop Allotey reminded Christians that Christmas was a season of peace and reconciliation.

He expressed worry about the destruction of the environment adding, "It is a divine responsibility for us to take care of the natural surroundings that God has provided humankind". The Bishop of Cape Coast Methodist Dioceses, Right Reverend Nicholas K.Asane also in an interview with GNA in Cape Coast, called on the rich to reach out to the poor and the needy, especially during celebrations such as Christmas.

He advised Christians to build a strong relationship with God in the New Year and asked Church leaders to spread the gospel to win more souls for the Lord. Rev. Dr. Albert Frank Anakwah, District Minister of the Presbyterian Church, Cape Coast, called for peace and unity among families and Church members.

He appealed to Church leaders to conform to Christian doctrines and rules in dealing with the congregation and to avoid practices that would tarnish the image of the Church. Rev. Dr Anakwah said asked Ghanaians to ensure peace, be law abiding and prayerful.

Rev. Wilberforce Wireku, Presiding Elder of AME Zion Church in Cape Coast, appealed to Christians to show love to the poor and the physically challenged. He appealed to government to train the physically challenged to enable them to contribute to national development.