Use HIPC funds for health insurance scheme- Rev.

Cape Coast Oct. 25 GNA- Reverend Dr Godfred Zormelo, Deputy Senior Bishop of the Winneba A.M.E Zion Church, on Saturday suggested to the government to consider using part of the HIPC fund as seed money to fund the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He said this will end an argument over the proposed deduction of 2.5 percent of workers Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions.

Bishop Zormelo said this at the launching of the centenary celebration of the Cape Coast branch of the AME Church at Cape Coast, under the theme "persevering our heritage through excellence of service".

He called on the government to do away with economic policies that would affect the people, and urged Ghanaians not to lose hope but put their trust in God, as the nation goes through hard times.

Bishop Zormelo gave the assurance that the church would continue to support what he described as "useful programmes" being initiated by the government to help improve the quality of life of the people.

He urged members of the church not to use the celebration of the anniversary for only merry making, but take stock of their activities and evolve pragmatic measures that would help in the growth and development of the church.

Rev. Mrs Anna Quansah, presiding elder of the church in her welcoming address, said the celebration marked a very important landmark in the history of the church, which she said has gone through a lot of challenges.

She paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers who, helped in the establishment of a number of schools, colleges and hospitals in the country.