Focus on Truth and Honesty - Aliu urges Clergy

Accra, May 24, GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama on Tuesday appealed to the Clergy to preach and pray for Ghanaians to uphold the truth and honesty at all times to ensure the building of a united and peaceful society.

He said it was worrying that the trend has been for people, especially politicians, to malign others to score points or win sympathy.

Vice President Mahama said this when a delegation from the Church of Pentecost, led by its chairman, Apostle Dr Michael Ntumy, called on him at the Castle to thank him for attending the 35th General Council Meeting of the Church.

The Holy Books, the Vice President said, espouse truth and uprightness because of their significance to life, therefore, "God would certainly not be on the side of liars." "It is not acceptable to vilify others for any gain and those who want power or favours must learn to wait patiently to receive them and not to use malicious means to succeed," he stated. He stressed that the clergy had a responsibility to instil the values of uprightness in their members and therefore, help society to discourage lairs.

Apostle Ntumy assured the Vice President that the clergy would pray about the issue and seek divine guidance on tackling issues. He announced that the Church of Pentecost would spend 200 million cedis for the construction of two rest stops and places of convenience this year to practically support the Campaign For Greater Discipline. More of such facilities would be provided annually along highways for the comfort of commuters, he added. This year's facilities would be sited around Nkawkaw and Kintampo, while the Takoradi-Cape Coast road would be next year's target. Apostle Ntumy explained that while educating people to maintain good sanitary practices it was important to also provide them with the means to remain disciplined, hence the decision to provide toilet facilities.

The rest stops would also afford drivers with their passengers the opportunity to take a break from strenuous journeys, thereby reducing the rate of stress-related accidents, he said. Apostle Ntumy expressed the hope that other churches and institutions would make similar contributions towards the Campaign launched by the Vice President in August 2002 on behalf of the Government.

He praised the Vice President for honouring Christians by accepting their invitations to participate in their activities saying, "you have endeared yourself to the Church of Pentecost and the entire Christian Community." 24 May 05