Kufuor did not go to US to beg for funds

Nduom lashes out at unpatriotic attitudes
Elmina, April 27, GNA-The Minister for Public Sector Reforms, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom on Thursday repeated calls on all Ghanaians to endeavour to be patriotic and refrain from attitudes that impinge on the country's progress.

He particularly, lashed out against malpractices like the multiple sale of lands, issuing of driving licenses to inexperienced drivers and certificates for non- roadworthy vehicles, and of Ghanaian passports to non-Ghanaians for monetary gains, which practice he said, was tarnishing the image of the country.

The Minister, also mentioned littering and indiscriminate disposal of waste and spitting, lackadaisical attitude towards work, bribery and corruption, as some of the negative practices stemming accelerated the socio-economic development of the country.

Dr Nduom, was addressing the 45th annual synod of the Cape Coast diocese of the Methodist church, on the theme: "Christian witnessing in the power of the holy spirit", at Elmina.

Two hundred delegates, including the clergy and the laity, from all the 20 circuits of the diocese, are attending the five-day synod, which is to enable them take stock of their activities and strategize on the way forward.

The Minister, pointed out that it was imperative that Ghanaians considered their country's image supreme, and reiterated that the President's recent invitation to the United States, had been as a result of his accomplishment as a statesman, and the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the country and that he had not gone to "beg for funds" as was being rumoured in certain quarters.

He stressed the need for unity towards the full development of the country's potentials.

The Central Regional Minister Mr Isaac Edumadze, on his part, expressed concern about child sex tourism, which he said, was gaining roots in the area, and urged the church to join efforts being made to help curb the situation.

He also reiterated calls on the church and the state to collaborate towards the socio-economic and urged the synod to consider sponsoring some of the church's female members in particular, to participate in the forthcoming district level elections, as a means of encouraging more women to take active part in politics.

The Bishop of the Cape Coast diocese of the church, Right Reverend Isaac Quansah, said many Christians were "living in filth", because they engaged in all forms of vices like corruption.

He therefore, cautioned Christians against such tendencies and endeavour to lead exemplary lives, be truthful, and to "take the public stand for Christ" and to be guided by the Holy Spirit, stressing that being "secret Christians", was of no benefit to anyone.