THE Right Reverend James Baffour-Awuah, the Methodist Bishop of Sunyani Diocese, has appealed to the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and the various factions to make efforts to resolve the numerous chieftaincy disputes in the Brong Ahafo Region.

He said some of the disputes had become so protracted that their effects were conspicuously being felt at public places including religious gatherings.

Rt. Rev. Baffour-Awuah made the appeal at the opening of the 28^th annual synod of the Church in the Brong Ahafo Region under the theme, “Witnessing in the power of the Holy Spirit, the task of the Church”.

The Bishop expressed regret about the common sight of factions in chieftaincy disputes openly exhibiting hostility even in the church room, noting that such divisive tendencies did not augur well for the realization of the church’s objectives.

He appealed to the ministry to evolve comprehensive strategies for the quick resolution of such security threats for enhanced peace and tranquility in the institution.

Rt. Rev. Baffour-Awuah commends the prudent policies of the government in providing quality education, youth employment, fiscal policies and cordial state/church relationship.

“It is up to the people to pause and ponder over what contributions they can make for the smooth implementation of the prudent policies for the desired results”, he said.

Rt. Rev. Baffour-Awuah proposed that the churches be made to complement the efforts of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the education of the people on the domestic violence law and the re-denomination of the cedi.

He lauded the government’s recognition for pre-schools under the pending education reforms and proposed a spread of the policy to cover private schools and their teachers.

In an address read for him Mr. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, deplored the rise in criminal activities in the country in spite of the proliferation of churches and called for a re-definition of the church’s moral doctrine to make it more responsive to society’s requirements.

He urged the clergy to educate church members to pay their taxes regularly to enable the government to provide more social amenities and infrastructure in the communities.

The Regional Minister assured the people in the region of the government’s commitment to the Bui hydroelectric project, which he said would open up businesses in the catchments area.

Barima Ansu Adjei, Krontihene of Dormaa Traditional Area, appealed to religious groups to live in harmony and called for programmes that would mould the youth to become responsible future leaders.

Fourteen out of the 85 Methodist Junior secondary schools in the region who performed creditably in last year’s Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) were presented with   awards.

Master Kwaku Baah of Berekum Methodist JSS “C” was presented with a certificate and a cash prize for being the best student in the examination.         - GNA

The Ghanaian Times     -           Thursday, May 17, 2007          Page:  22