Christian Council Executive calls on Mills

Accra (Greater Accra) 12 March '99

Vice President John Atta Mills on Friday tasked churches to use their influence to educate the people on their civic responsibilities and the virtues of unity. "We need to inculcate into our people love, peace and tolerance and as one people with a common destiny who should move forward together," he told a five-member delegation of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) that called on him at the Castle, Osu. The delegation, led by the Reverend Simon Assore, a Member of the Council of State, discussed with the Vice-President partnership between government and the church towards good governance. It was also to officially introduce the new Executives of the Council. They are Bishop Justice Akrofi, President, the Rev Fred Degbe, Vice-President, the Rev Robert Kwesi Aboagye-Mensah, General Secretary and the Rev Nana Anto, Member. Prof. Mills said government and the council should see themselves as "two sides of a coin" that need each other. "While we may focus on the socio-economic path under politics, you should provide the spiritual support and upliftment for the nation." He said government has always acknowledged the essence of co-operation and support from the church adding "whatever we do as government can only be accomplished by the will of God." He said government remains receptive to advice and guidance from the church but this must be done with sincere considerations. "We are human beings and can make mistakes, but sometimes it is sad that the condemnations come before the corrections, instead of the other way round" and asked religious leaders not to hesitate to call on him to discuss national matters. Bishop Akrofi said he was moved by the steadfastness and Christian principles of the Vice-President in his duties and pledged the church's readiness at all times to assist him. He expressed the belief that the choice of Prof. Mills as Vice-President and the President's personal recognition for him as his successor, was from God. The church will, therefore, continue to pray for him, Rev Akrofi said. Rev. Degbe said he shared the concern of Vice-President Mills to build a better Ghana and urged him to remain steadfast to these principles. Rev. Aboagye-Mensah said as with every public office, there is a lot of expectations from the people that government should take in good faith. He said the position of the Christian Council is non-partisan and there are times it would need to undertake a critical analysis of certain government policies before showing its support.