President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Affail Monney, has appealed to religious bodies in Ghana to use religion as a vital tool to foster unity and peace.
Addressing the third graduation ceremony of students of BetheSDA Centre of Evangelism and Bible School at Anomawobi in the Central region, Mr. Monney said “peace and unity” are essential tools for development and must be pursued with seriousness.
“After 58 years of independence, Ghanaians have enjoyed religious tolerance and we must protect it in absolute peace,” he urged.
He urged religious leaders in the country to endeavour to solve the recent complaint made by Muslims about the abuse of their children rights in mission schools.
He further warned religious insurgency in some parts of Africa which had led to the death of many, adding that “Africa needs peace for progress and not retrogression.”
Touching on the role of pastors, Mr. Monney, who is also the Director of Radio, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation(GBC), told outgoing students from Ghana, Togo and Kenya who have pursued a six-month Bible studies, to be pastors of integrity and valour.
He admonished them to be apolitical and rather pray for leaders in authority for God’s guidance and direction.
He congratulated the Director of the School, Mrs. Sharna Welty, her husband, Mr. Charles Welty, and the board of directors for their efforts to place the school on a theological pedestal.
The GJA president noted that the introduction of organic farming on their curriculum was a great agro-spiritual concept which must be emulated by all Bible schools.
In her address, Mrs. Welty disclosed that the construction of the 2 billion cedis National Health Centre Clinic which began last year would be completed and dedicated in September this year.
She implored the outgoing pastors to take the character of Jesus Christ as He became a humble servant.
“Avoid vain glory, pride arrogance and selfishness,” she added.
The chairman for the function, Pastor Stephen Twumasi Ankrah, an Educationist, urged the pastors to fear God and also follow His teachings and that, they must avoid tribalism, and pray for peace and unity among the citizenry.
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