Ho, March 13, GNA - Apostle Moses Ayitey, Volta Regional Chairman of the Ghana Pentecostal Council on Sunday charged the country's political leaders to eschew excessive rivalry and work together for the country to "shine as the star of Africa".

He said: 93Ghana, NPP (New Patriotic Party), NDC (National Democratic Congress) and all other political parties can only shine if we accept each other and work together."

Apostle Ayitey gave the exhortation in a sermon at a thanksgiving service in Ho to climax the National Week of Fasting, Prayer and Thanksgiving.

It was on the theme: 93Ghana Arise, Act and Shine." Apostle Ayitey noted that individualism, ethnocentrism and other negative attitudes had covered the nation with darkness and called on Christians and political leaders to lead with hard work, faithfulness and integrity.

He said this was the way the country could shine and give light to other countries in the West African sub- region. Apostle Ayitey called on the citizenry to be humble and patient in all their dealings knowing that 93there is time for everything". He urged Ghanaians to desist from war mongering to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in 2012.

Mr Joseph Amenowode, Regional Minister commended the Church leadership for organising the event.

He observed that in view of the socio-cultural challenges facing the nation, the Church had the utmost responsibility of championing the country to rise and shine.

Mr Amenowode therefore urged the leadership of the Church to rise up and demonstrate its exceptional qualities as vestiges of morality, integrit= y and love to shape and transform the society.