Christian Daily Newspaper 8th issue

NO. 0008

Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th October, 2014.

Christian Council commends Newmont Ghana.

Price: GH 2.00

Name and Shame Corrupt Church

Page - 3

Rev. Dr. K. Opuni Frimpong in blue helmet

Christian Pastor Shot Dead by Pakistani Police.

Members.

- Mr Charles Ayamdoo

Director of Anti-Corruption - CHRAG

ICGC gives

- Page 11

School Uniform & Others being presented

400

Christians advised not to shun

traditional beliefs.

Rev. R. K. Awuku-Gyampoh - Page 4

Story on Page 2

students Story on Page 3

scholarships.

Ps. Dr. Mensah Otabil

Dr. Mensah

CHRIST IA N Daily News

Page 2 Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th October, 2014 Website: dailychristiangh.com

Name and Shame Corrupt Church Members - CHRAG

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r Charles Ayamdoo, Director of AntiCorruption, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), on Friday challenged pastors and church leaders to “name and shame” corrupt members in their churches. He urged them to report members of their churches suspected to have conducted themselves in corrupt ways to relevant institutions for investigation and prosecution.

Mr Ayamdoo was addressing church leaders in the Volta Region on corruption at a forum in Ho organised by CHRAJ on the theme; “Building Broad Coalition for Combating Corruption and Enhancing Integrity in Ghana.” He described the church as a very important institution, which has a great role to play in the fight against corruption and charged the leaders to rise up to the task.

He said disgracing corrupt members was not an exposure of their families and that it was important for the churches to rid their congregations of corrupt people. Mr Ayamdoo asked the leaders to develop specific strategies which would make it difficult for corrupt members to fit into their congregations and

North Kaneshie Presby Church Marks 5years.

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embers of the North Kaneshie Presbyterian Church has donated blood to the National Blood Bank to mark their five years anniversary.

The exercise, organised through a health-walk, was first in the series of activities to highlight and create awareness on the need to stock the blood bank of the Korle-Bu Teaching H o s p i t a l .

Dr. Kwame Ayisi, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who is also the Chairman of the Christ Family Health Committee of the Church, told the Ghana News Agency that healthy and active lifestyles were beneficial to the nation and ideal for businesses.

He said: “ Wa l k i n g to sustain your life is in line with healthy lifestyle behaviour which the church is promoting, as well as voluntary b l o o d donation and health screening o n awareness creation through the healthwalk.”

Dr. Ayisi sensitised the members who were later screened on Hepatitis 'B' and given free dental examination supervised by Miss Sophia Blankson of the Korle-Bu Blood B a n k .

Reverend Philip Annan-Nai, District Pastor of the Church, advised the members to adopt healthy lifestyles by exercising daily to prolong their lives in addition to their Christian disciplines of prayers, fasting and bible studies.

Mr. Samuel Owusu Ofori, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said on December 14, 2014, the North Kaneshie District, comprising Christ Family, Firtz Ramseyer, Bethel, Industrial Area, Glory Agyapaye and Bubiashie congregations would climax the event

f o r c e t h e m t o c h a n g e .

He said it was time churches said no to corruption and urged them to stop celebrating corrupt members who showed-off in church and respect the s i m p l e a n d h o n e s t o n e s .

Madam Seyram Agbemenya of the Ghana Integrity Initiative urged churches to re-visit the country's value system and place premium on honesty i n s t e a d o f m a t e r i a l i s m .

She said it was important for leaders to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in their churches to be good examples to their f o l l o w e r s .

Reverend Robert Kwao, Head Pastor, Perez Chapel, Ho, asked pastors to be firm and expose corrupt members adding; “righteousness is profitable, our value is Godliness and not money.”

Rev. David Eleblu, Head Pastor of Victory Bible Church, said corruption was everywhere including the church and called for stern punishment to deter people from indulging in it.

Participants expressed worry about the protection of the whistle blower and cited cases

CHRIST IA N Daily

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Foreign News

Website: dailychristiangh.com

Pastor gives Petrol to Congregants Christians, State Department which turns says into US Pineapple Juice.

By Cath Martin

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controversial South African Pastor, Lesego Daniel, made his congregants drink petrol after claiming that it can miraculously turn into pineapple juice. Daniel, leader at the Rabboni Centre Ministries near Pretoria, is the same pastor who drew international media attention earlier this year when he convinced his congregation to eat grass.

Although his preaching methods are

unconventional, many took his lead in hopes that the poisonous liquid would cause a miracle.

"Without faith, it is impossible to please God so I'm going to drink my petrol," says an unidentified church member in a video posted on YouTube.

The video then shows Daniel going to the altar with a bottle full of the liquid before giving it to the man who then proves to

Anita Oyakhilome Removed from Rhapsody Of Realities Devotional Book.

Anita Oyakhilome has been excluded from the newly released October-2014 edition of Rhapsody of Realities, Christ Embassy's monthly devotional. The devotional, which was started many years ago by the now estranged couple, usually had both their pictures and writings in the pages, but in this new 31-page edition, there's not one pic or article attributed to Pastor Anita, just pastor Chris.

see it is not.

For those who have been acquitted with the popular monthly devotional book by the couples, Rhapsody of Realities will know that for several years Anita's column of the book has never been missing from the book, but now her name has been removed from t h e p u b l i c a t i o n .

Her name has been excluded from the newly released October-2014 edition of Rhapsody of Realities, Christ Embassy's monthly devotional. The devotional, which was started many years ago by the now estranged couple, usually had both their pictures and writings in the pages, but in this new 31-page edition, there's not one picture or article attributed to Pastor Anita, just p a s t o r C h r i s .

Also, the back cover of the magazine which usually had a picture of the couple now has only Pastor Chris on it.

Meanwhile, Pastor Ms. Yemisi Kudehinbu has been named the new Chief Executive This is a proof that their is no smoke without officer of the Believers Loveworld, an arm fire, any thought that the marriage break of the church that produces the monthly down of Chris and Anita Oyakhilome was devotional. just a speculated rumour, but now we can

the congregation that it is flammable greater miracles than Jesus did. "Do by pouring some into a container and you believe in the Father?" Daniel asked the congregation. "Can you lighting a match. imagine not being able to have a baby "Many of you don't believe that this and you come here, drink petrol and is fuel but I just want you to believe," tomorrow the doctor says, 'no more he said. "If you look at the bottle, it barrenness, you are pregnant because looks like apple juice but with the you drank petrol.'" flame that it will become, it will be He then proceeded to say that next enough evidence for you to have faith. time he brings a bottle of petrol, he will In the book of Luke 1:37 it says nothing "command" people to go to the altar for is impossible for God." Immediately a sip "whether you want to or not." after the demonstration, he drinks a Back in January, Daniel made his portion of the bottle before Daniel asks him how it tastes, to which he responds members eat grass after explaining in a while he's coughing, "It has a lot of sermon that Jesus had additional fumes but I don't have any side disciples besides the 12 noted in the scriptures who used to perform effects." unconventional practices.

The video also shows about a dozen "There were many disciples and you church members, who appear delirious, don't know others. Let God show you as run to the altar to get a sip from the same they were deliberately not revealed in bottle while others are fighting to grab a the Bible because God wanted hold of it from Daniel's hand. someone to do new things," Daniel told Daniel said that the act was part of the African Spotlight news outlet.

Bible's passage that says people will do

Christian Pastor Shot Dead by Pakistani Police.

A

Christian pastor accused of blasphemy was shot dead by police in a Pakistani jail in Rawalpindi. A persecution watchdog group has said this is the latest incident of blasphemy laws being used to commit human rights violations.

"This is a barbaric act," Xavier Williams of Life for All told The Express Tribune. "There had been threats. The court should have instructed police to ensure Bhatti's safety."

Zafar Bhatti had been imprisoned at Adiyala jail since 2012, The Express Tribune reported. His 70-year-old cellmate, Muhammad Asghar, who has a history of mental illness, was wounded in the shooting attack. Asghar has also been accused of blasphemy in the heavily Muslim country.

The men had been receiving death threats both from guards and fellow prisoners.

International Christian Concern Regional Manager for South Asia, William Stark, said: "This most recent incident involving Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law should once again bring the abuse of this law back into international discussions.

Originally written to protect against religious intolerance, the law has warped into a tool used by extremists and others to settle personal scores and persecute Pakistan's

vulnerable religious minorities." Stark added that Pakistan's minority Christian population is heavily targeted by these blasphemy laws, though the charges are often false.

"Unfortunately, pressure from Islamic radical groups and general discrimination against Christians in Pakistan has transformed trial courts into little more than rubber stamps for blasphemy accusations brought against Christians, regardless of the evidence brought to bear in the case," he continued. "Also, little is done to ensure the safety of those merely accused of blasphemy, leading to the deaths of at least 48 people, many of whom could have been proven innocent."

In Bhatti's case, the pastor was accused of sending blasphemous text messages to Ahmed Khan, then deputy secretary of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat, a Pakistani Muslim organization. He was arrested on July 16, and was tortured for several days by police after refusing to confess to the allegations. Back in April, a Christian couple was sentenced to death in Pakistan also for committing blasphemy via text messages. Lawyers for the man and woman appealed the ruling, arguing that both are illiterate and could not have sent the text messages.

"We express our solidarity, but Christians keep a low profile, because life is full of difficulties and dangers, and for us the first commandment is to survive. Christians are afraid and they move with extreme caution," Fr. Aloysius Roy, superior of the Pakistani province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate said at the time.

CHRIST IA N Daily

Page 10 Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th October, 2014

Friday, September 20, 2013

Website: dailychristiangh.com

Social News 259 people receive LEAP disbursement at Kpone-Katamanso

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SHS authorities unhappy about delinquency of finalists.

total of 259 residents of KponeKatamanso District in the Greater he heads of three senior high schools Accra Region who are on the (SHS) in the Asante Akim South Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) District have deplored what they programme have been paid their July and August describe as 'the errant behaviour' of some final year stipends. students, which tends to undermine their academic p e r f o r m a n c e .

A total of 136 beneficiaries from Kpone and They said it had become the trend for many of the 123 beneficiaries from other communities within students to boycott classes after being registered for the district received the stipend. The LEAP the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate programme is a social intervention programme aimed at aiding families with orphan and vulnerable E x a m i n a t i o n ( W A S S S C E ) .

The school authorities said the situation was very children, aged above 75 years and the very poor disturbing because such students hardly concentrated with cash handouts. on their books but painstakingly resorted to different Mrs Georgina Asare, Social Welfare Officer for the Kpone-Katamanso District, who led the team of officials from her outfit and the Ghana Post to disburse the monies, said the beneficiaries were identified with the help of local unit committee members and the Assembly members.

Mrs Asare indicated that even though her outfit did the registration, Ghana Post has responsibility to keep the money but the two organisations do the payments together. She indicated that the monies were paid to the caregivers of the qualified residents to support their livelihood.

The Social Welfare Officer explained that for the two months' payments, families with one beneficiary received GHC48.00. Those with two beneficiaries had GHC60.00, while families with three received GHC72.00 and those with four and more beneficiaries qualified for GHC 90.00

Page 3 Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th October, 2014 Daily CHRIST IA N CHRISTIAN GUIDE 03 NEWS ICGC gives 400

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means to cheat in their examinations.

The heads - Mr Joseph Adasi of Juaso SHS; Mrs Philomena Akyeaa Brobbey - Bompata Presbyterian SHS; and Mr Obeng Anti Boateng - Ofoase SHS; told a meeting with the district education oversight committee that they needed stronger support and cooperation of parents to rein in the erring students.

Mr Adasi said the school authorities on their own were helpless, therefore, stakeholders must accept to work together to stop them from straying from the p r o p e r c o u r s e o f c o n d u c t .

The committee had summoned the three heads to discuss the approved fees for senior high/technical schools for the 2014/2015 academic year and other related issues.

Mr Ignatius Mwinbe, the District Education Director, shared the concerns of the school heads and said it required firm measures by the key actors in e d u c a t i o n t o d e a l w i t h .

Mr De-graft Fokuo, the District Chief Executive (DCE), urged the headmasters to strictly adhere to the approved fees.

Abii National records impressive operations.

Website: dailychristiangh.com

students, Schlarships.

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hana's growing financial services sector would be boosted with the launch of ABii National Savings and Loans, one of the new and promising financial brands on Friday, September 2 6 .

At a media briefing in Accra, indications and evidence were given to prove that the institution has enjoyed impressive results and a steady growth in less than a year of its operations.

Mr Godfried Osei-Boakye, Managing Director of the financial entity said ABii National was established in September 2011 with a provisional license to operate.

After the official approval of a full license in February 2013 by the Bank of Ghana (BOG), the financial institution launched into operations in September 2013 at its Avenor premises which houses both a Branch and the Head Office.

Mr Osei-Boakye said in less than a year of its operations, the bank has galvanised an impressive customer base of about 2,900, adding that the growing customer base, “is as a result of tailor-made products, such as the ABii ASETENAPA, ABii SOMU, ABii ROYAL, ABii CLEARING, which have been specially crafted and introduced to satisfy the needs of almost 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the G h a n a i a n p o p u l a c e .

“These products and services are highly patronised by the entirety of the… public,” he noted.

Mr Osei-Boakye said, the branch network currently stands at five including the Avenor, Abossey-Okai, Darkuman-Kokompe, Kasoa in the Central Region and Adum in Kumasi where ATMs have been installed for the benefit of the customers.

This is in addition to numerous innovations on the ground such as internet banking and other platforms that are aimed at promoting customer comfort.

He added that in less than two weeks: “Our Mallam-Atta Branch will be opened also to serve the needs of all the businesses and individuals within the environs of Accra New Town, Kokomlemle, Pig farm, Kotobabi to bring the number to six branches in a y e a r.

With an initial capital of GH₵ 3.9 million, the bank continues to grow with the total deposits now standing at GH₵ 17. 4 million and GH₵ 9.5 million going into loans, Mr Osei-Boakye said.

The Managing Director said though there were some teething challenges from the beginning as with all new establishments, the institution is poised to make a difference in the competitive financial sector and would do all it could to improve the livelihoods of businesses and individuals in the country.

Dr Peter Tobin, a Board representative remarked that “there is still a large proportion of Ghanaians, even in the urban areas, who are unbanked and our target is to bring a sizeable fraction of these people into the financial stream and unto the customer platform of our new financial institution so that they can enjoy the excellent banking services we are here to offer”.

ABii National Savings and Loans has the vision: “To be the most desired indigenous bank, partnering with its customers to unlock their financial potential and be seen as the key to excellent banking.”

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he educational future of 400 brilliant but needy students has been given a major boost through scholarships of Central Aid, a social responsibility wing of the International Central Gospel Church.

Central Aid will pay Gh₵ 400,000 to cover the tuition and registration fees of Junior High School students who passed this year's Basic Education Certificate Exams and students in the Senior High Schools.

Out of the number of beneficiaries, 40% are aspiring to enter SHS while 60% are SHS students. According to a press release issued by Central Aid and signed by its Executive Director A.B Rockson, the 400 beneficiaries were sieved out of 900 who applied for scholarship for the 2014/2015 academic year.

Central Aid was established in 1988 as an educational trust fund to provide

financial assistance to brilliant but communities across the country. needy students in secondary schools.

The aid is given to students irrespective of their denomination or ethnic background. Since it was established, over 3,000 students have benefitted and gone on to pursue various careers.

The International Central Gospel Church through Central Aid has also renovated a 3-unit classroom block for the Akufful-Krodua Catholic JHS in the Central Region.

Hospitals such as the Princess Marie Louise Children's Hospital in Accra, the Plastic Surgery Department of the KorleBu Teaching Hospital, the Ghana Hearts Foundation and Mammocare Ghana have also benefited from the organisation's financial support.

Twenty boreholes have been dug in the Ga West Municipal Area through support from the Aid. In the future, Central Aid will be constructing multipurpose libraries in some peri-urban

Christians Council

commends Newmont Ghana.

Rev. Dr. K. Opuni Frimpong in blue helmet

R

everend Dr Kwabena Opuni Frimpong, General Secretary of Christian Council of Ghana, has commended Newmont Ghana, for being a good example of responsible mining in the country. He gave the commendation during a visit to Newmont Ghana's Ahafo Mine at Kenyase, as part of a delegation of an international faith-based group made up of representatives from the Catholic Church and other denominations.

The group toured key operational areas around the mine and met with community stakeholders to understand the impact of Newmont's activities on their livelihoods and development programmes being undertaken by the company.

“I see Newmont working towards responsible mining.

You see that, you feel that, in all the documents, in the conversations, you engage the community and it's like these people are pursuing responsible mining; I witnessed that,”Rev Opuni said after the tour.

The delegation visited the mine ahead of this year's Day of

Reflection dialogue to be held in London in October.

The Day of Reflections is a leadership dialogue between the mining industry and members of the Catholic Church, protestant churches and faith-based investing groups on key issues regarding the mining industry.

The first dialogue was held in September last year, at the Vatican, and was hosted by Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson. Rev Opuni-Frimpong urged the company to put a system in place to help resettle farmers transitioning from “farming communities to mining communities”.

He observed that although the farmers enjoy the resettlement packages offered them by the company, some of them have still been unable to transition from their agrarian life style to a community based lifestyle. “Despite all the efforts Newmont is making in the areas of education, health, infrastructural development, I realized in my interaction with the peoplethat there is still a struggle…because they still think like they're still living on their farm lands.

They want the new resettlement buildings… but they still want to enjoy what they were enjoying when they were on their farm lands,” he said. He encouraged mining companies to be more transparent with information and partner civil society and faith- based organisations in educating the public in order to correct negative public perception about their operations.

Dr Anna Falkenberg, a member of the delegation and Executive Director of the Socially Responsible Investment Coalition, also commended the Ahafo Mine for what she described as the high standards attained for its cyanide and tailings management.

CHRIST IA N Daily

Page 4 Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th October, 2014 Website: dailychristiangh.com

PIWC Suyani Childrens Ministry donates to School. noted that children's welfare and Bank, Ghana Statistical Service and the

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unday School children of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Sunyani have donated brand new school uniforms and assorted items to deprived children at the Yawmire Primary School, near Nkrankrom in the Sunyani Municipality.

The entire package worth GH¢2,100 included 60 pieces of sewn school uniforms for both boys and girls, 50 pairs of shoes, 150 pieces of dewormers,100 copies of Bible, two footballs, three skipping ropes, candies, and a cash amount of

GH¢100.00 to the school authorities to buy chalk for the school.

Speaking at a colourful ceremony at Yawmire on Monday, September 22, 2014 to present the items to the underprivileged children, the Leader of the Sunyani Area Children's Ministry of the Church of Pentecost, Pastor Kwabena Opoku, commended the PIWC Children Ministry leadership and the entire congregation for the gesture.

Pastor Opoku, who is also the Yamfo District Pastor of the Church of Pentecost,

Christians advised not to shun

traditional beliefs. year, has the theme: “Systemic Change: A Tool for 21st Century Church”.

R e v. Aw u k u Gyampoh said the celebration of Africana was instituted with the aim of reviving the souls of men by resuscitating the dying cultural values which formed the pillars of society.

He said God Himself created and recognised the institution of chieftaincy when he agreed to the request of the Israelites through Prophet Samuel to appoint a king for them. The continuous existence of our traditional system, therefore, has the blessings of the A l m i g h t y .

The celebration was climaxed on Sunday and witnessed by many traditional rulers within and outside Koforidua.

Rev. Awuku- Gyampoh said chiefs, therefore, exercised authority on behalf of God and stressed the need for Christians to appreciate traditional practices. Making some recommendations, Rev. AwukuGyampoh said Ghanaian Languages must be used as instructional language in s c h o o l s .

He also urged the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to place "Africana Week Celebrations" as a main activity on the church's Almanac to serve as a motivating factor for other congregations for the sake of ecumenism and evangelism.

Rev. R. K. Awuku-Gyampoh

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he Reverend Ransford Kwabena Awuku-Gyampoh, Minister in Charge of the Trinity Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Adweso, Koforidua, has advised Christians to revise the negative notions attached to traditional practices.

He said traditional rulers, who were at the helm of traditional practices, served as agents of change and progress while inspiring and providing lots of amenities for their communities and to the churches t h e y b e l o n g e d .

"They also undertake other humanitarian ventures to give comfort to the poor, orphans, widows and the vulnerable generally. We commend them highly for these and wish to encourage such positive activities knowing well that they are doing the service of the one who placed them in those positions of a u t h o r i t y . " Rev. Awuku-Gyampoh was speaking at a ceremony dubbed; "Africana" a programme instituted by the church to recognise the contribution of traditional rulers to society.

Africana Week celebration, started last

their moral upbringing is of paramount importance to the Church since the church believes that children are the future leaders of the family, church and the nation.

The Resident Pastor of PIWC, Pastor Clement Achim Gyimah, described the donation as a fulfillment of the scriptures by demonstrating the love of Christ to the underprivileged children and their families.

Pastor Achim Gyimah asked the school authorities to take good care of the items and encouraged the children to learn hard to achieve their God given potentials in the future.

Elder Clement Oduro Coffie, PIWC Children's Ministry Leader, explained that the church was touched by the plight of the children during an evangelism outreach programme in the village. He was full of appreciation to the church as well as corporate institutions such as the Fidelity

staff of the Sunyani Regional Hospital for supporting the vision.

The Headmaster of the school, Peter Fosu Gyeabour and the Assemblyman for the area, Kumah Hayford, who were overwhelmed by the gesture, thanked the Church of Pentecost for the support. The duo described the donation as unprecedented in the history of the school and the community. They however appealed to government and other philanthropists to help the community in the provision of borehole water, electricity and reshaping of the road leading to the village.

An alter call by Elder James Badu Amponsah, PIWC Evangelism Leader, saw three adults given their lives to Jesus.

Present at the event were Mrs. Victoria Abio Tetteh, a Member of the National Executive Committee of the Children's Ministry, Mrs. Achim Gyimah, Sunday School children and their teachers, some elders and members of PIWC. Source:piwcsuyani.com

CHRIST IA N Daily

Page 9 Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th October, 2014 Website: dailychristiangh.com

Opinion

Who is worthy of casting the first stone?

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he motive behind criticism often determines its validity. Those who care criticize where necessary. Those who envy criticize the moment they think that they have found a weak spot” – Criss Jami (American poet, philosopher).

In John 8:7, we are told of a drama. The Pharisees dragged a woman whom they accused of committing adultery to Jesus Christ. They said according to their law (constitution), the woman had to be stoned to death. In an attempt to either trick or trap Jesus to establish the fact that Jesus did not believe in the “law”, they wanted to know His (Jesus') view/opinion on the case.

In fact they persisted, p e s t e re d , p u s h e d a n d pressed Jesus to comment on the issue.

Finally, Jesus told them “He, who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her”. Interestingly, the woman's accusers left one after the other without a single one of them stoning the woman. Of course, Jesus admonished the woman to go and sin no m o r e .

We live in a world where w e a re v e r y q u i c k t o criticize, accuse and crucify others. It is not an exaggeration to say that some people have criticism in their genes.

In fact they are born critics. They criticize everybody and everything. No matter how best somebody does something, they would criticize. They see themselves as perfect, always right and every other person is wrong.

The interesting thing about such people is that they hardly make any alternative suggestions as to how they would have done t h i n g s d i f f e re n t l y.

I attended an international workshop two years ago and I would never forget the way a lady participant, who was in my discussion group behaved. She criticized the venue for the programme, the facilitators, the food and whatever contribution anybody made. At a point the rest of us were fed up with her behavior and became upset when she again criticized the organizers of the program for not providing us with a more comfortable bus to convey us to and from our hotel.

Nobody should get me wrong. I am not advocating for condoning evil. We should be able to point out people's wrongs to them but like the 1860 born American politician, Frank A. Clarke once said “criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots”. The one, who is being criticized, should also know that it is for his/her good that his

mistakes/wrongs/shortcomings are being pointed o u t t o h i m .

Back in Middle School form one; I remember our class teacher disciplined one of our colleagues for gross disrespect, truancy and pilfering.

Instead of the parents of the boy to commend the teacher, they rather held an “insult vigil” for him.

In fact, the teacher did not know his peace for two good weeks. The boy's mother even came to the school and verbally abused the teacher in the full glare of us the students and other teachers.

The boy was not sacked from the school anyway but he was tortured psychologically.

Our teacher never asked him any questions in class; he marked his exercises alright without making any detailed corrections. Whenever he did something wrong, he was not disciplined. In fact he was made to feel very uncomfortable and finally had to be transferred from the school. The point I want to make is that criticisms, especially, “good intended” ones are for our own good.

We shun them at our own downfall. This brings us back to the question whether we really criticize people these days to correct or we do so to destroy and demonize them The just ended 2014 world cup football match in Brazil was the mother of all criticisms I have ever witnessed. I agree that the players, the technical team, the sports ministry, etc might have made some mistakes. But the question is: Were our criticisms meant to correct them or they were deliberately made to ruin, embarrass and portray them as “good for nothing people”?

In what way(s) could the criticisms help us, as a nation, to perform better in future tournaments? Could we not have criticized without insulting and maligning the people involved? Interestingly, some of the very people who were the loudest in criticizing the players and the football administrators never touched football in their lives nor ever held any m a n a g e r i a l p o s i t i o n s .

There are some subordinates who never see anything good in whatever their bosses do and vice versa. In the church, some elders, together with some other members have become “shadow leaders” and unjustifiably criticize everything that the church leadership does without giving any alternative suggestions.

I have tried very hard not to comment on the issue of corruption but considering the alarming rate at which the social cancer is spreading, I can't just resist the temptation not to do so. The sad thing is that the virus that causes this social disease is so contagious that almost everybody is infected except a few, who are immune to it. Unfortunately, we are quick to point accusing fingers at others as being corrupt.

I am not by any means trying to justify whatever corrupt practices that somebody indulged in; but the truth is that one way or the other, like the accusers of that adulterous woman, many of us, who are loudest when we hear about somebody being corrupt also have skeletons in our cupboards. It is unacceptable for anybody to use his/her position or influence to siphon public funds.

But how different is that person from the one who “ steals” his/ her employer's time by either reporting late to work or leaving work before the official time of closing to do his/her private business? Do some men in high positions not have affairs with some ladies, (sometimes even married ones) before offering them jobs? What about the pilfering of company items such as stationery?

I don't want to believe that there is anything like big or small corruption. Corruption is corruption. It does not matter the form that it takes. For now, I don't think it is necessary to list or give a litany of corrupt practices. As humans, we all have conscience and I believe we are perfectly aware of whatever corrupt practices we may be involved in.

Unfortunately, we are not prepared to remove the logs in our eyes but we are more than ready to remove the specks in others' eyes.

We should criticize but let us be mindful of the motive-Whether it is meant to embarrass or disgrace the one we criticize or the intention is to help bring about a positive change. Whoever is being criticized should also accept the good intended criticism in good faith and be ready to d o t h e r i g h t t h i n g .

Writer's e-mail :wofasammy4@yahoo.com The writer is an archivist Source: Ghanaweb

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Friday, September 20, 2013

CHRIST IA N Daily

Page 5

NEWS

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Pentecost Children’s Ministry

organises Fun games.

Methodist Laity takes

stocks of activities.

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he Kumasi Diocesan Lay Movement of the Methodist Church Ghana (MCG), has held its third biennial general meeting in Kumasi, with a call on the laity to tackle contemporary development i s s u e s .

Mr. Kwasi Atta-Antwi, the Lay Chairman, urged the laity to campaign against environmental degradation, the declining sanitary conditions, recurring outbreak of communicable diseases, indiscipline

Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th October, 2014

amongst the youth and corruption. The Church's main responsibility, he said, was to effect positive changes in the society, calling on members to discharge their duties with c o m m i t m e n t .

The meeting aimed at serving as a platform for the Lay Movement to assess its performance over the years and also seek new direction to sustain its growth within the context of the church's general tenets and p r i n c i p l e s . " Te a c h i n g f o r Effective Christian Formation the Lay Factor," was the theme.

Mr. Atta-Antwi said the laity would not relent in its efforts to supporting the church to complete on-going projects structured to bolster the financial base of the Church. He advised the members to be active in the activities of the laity.

The Right Reverend Professor Osei SafoKantanka, the Methodist Bishop of Kumasi, appealed to the laity to ensure that all their operations were church-inclined. This, he said, was the only way to advance Methodism and the general welfare of the people

committed to God in all seasons.

Source:thecophq.org

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he event, which was organized by the Children's Ministry as part of their national week celebration, saw a remarkable participation of over 15,000 children representing all the Areas in the Greater Accra Region.

The Kasoa Area of the Church of Pentecost outclassed 10 other Administrative Areas in the GreaterAccra region to receive the prestigious trophy for the overall best performance at the Children's Ministry fun games held on the 27th of September, 2014 at the El Wak Sports Stadium in Accra. Kasoa Area, overall winners of the event, was also crowned champions of the boys football competition; clinching the top prize with a convincing 2-0 victory over their counterparts from the Madina Area.

The National Children's Ministry Director Pastor Fred Tiakor expressed satisfaction and delight at the remarkable turnout at the event; after a 5000 excess of the total children attendance anticipated by the organizers. According to him, the event was in line with the church's theme to “Fan the Pentecostal Fire to Impact Generations” since it aims at a holistic development of the child by impacting them through games.

“We are trying to put into action the theme of the church by getting the children [firmly rooted] in the word of God so that their lives will reflect the godly life of Christ” he added.

He further explained that children, like adults, also have very pressing emotional needs adding that it is also an objective of the event to help address such sensitive needs of the children.

Pastor Tiakor also hinted on a much improved event in the future, expressing his desire to introduce more activities and also indicating his intention to extend the

event to other regions of the country.

“We are going to sell this idea to the Area and District Executives so that we will assess how best we can organize such an event for other regions of the country” he noted. The Children's Director, also took the opportunity to appeal to parents and leaders to reciprocate the respect accorded to them by their wards.

According to him, when children are constantly looked down upon; their values become subverted, which ultimately affects their physical as well as spiritual growth and development.

“We should acknowledge children as treasures of God. We should raise their egos and make them happy in order to build a better future for prosperity” he asserted.

He also urged teachers to avail themselves for training in order to enhance their better performance delivery for an efficient and more effective impartation process. As part of the event, participants were treated to a lively atmosphere of competitive games including “Tug of Peace” and sack racing, while others passionately cheered on their respective football teams.

Participating kids were also thrilled by a host of variety of fun activities, as they bounced heartily on the bouncy castles, glided freely on the rubber slides, and enjoyed an unforgettable ride on a horse and a rollercoaster.

The 11 participating Areas were Odorkor, Kasoa, Dansoman, TeshieNungua, La, Madina, Anyaa-Ablekuma, A c h i m o t a , K a n e s h i e , Te m a a n d Ashaiman. Also in attendance were the National Executives of the Children's Ministry, Area, District and Local Executives.

CHRIST IA N Daily

Page 6 Wednesday 1st - Monday 6th October, 2014

News

Website: dailychristiangh.com

Pope Francis to the Bishops of Ghana;

the importance of the healthcare apostolate.

Ghana is justly respected for the “Be close to other Christian leaders contribution she makes to the integral and the heads of other religious development of individuals and the entire communities. Ecumenical and nation. At the same time, she often finds interreligious cooperation, when herself lacking in the material resources carried out with respect and an open necessary to fulfil her mission in the heart, contribute to the social world. In this regard, I would offer you harmony of your country, and enable growth in understanding of the two thoughts.

First, it is imperative that whatever dignity of each person and a greater temporal means the Church has at her experience of our common humanity.

Thankfully, Ghana has been disposal continue to be administered spared many of the tribal, ethnic with honesty and responsibility, in order and religious divisions that have to provide good witness, especially where corruption has hindered the just afflicted too many other parts of advancement of society. … Second, Africa, a continent whose promise, in material poverty can be an occasion to part due to these divisions, has yet to draw greater attention to the spiritual be fulfilled. I pray that you will be Pope Francis exchanging greetings with Ghanaian Bishops. needs of the human person, thus leading to a deeper reliance on the Lord, from h e t r a g e d y o f t h e E b o l a world. Out of the spiritual vitality of all whom all good things come. While your outbreak and the healthcare the faithful come the Church's a p o s t o l a t e , t h e n e e d f o r numerous charitable, medical and testimony of integrity in the face of educational endeavours, and her works c o r r u p t i o n , a n d e c u m e n i c a l of justice and equality. The varied cooperation were the main themes of services, carried out in God's name, the written discourse the Holy Father especially for the poor and weak, are handed to the bishops of the Ghana the responsibility of the entire local Bishops' Conference yesterday Church, under the prayerful oversight afternoon, at the end of their five- of the bishop.

I think in a particular way about the yearly “ad Limina” visit.

In the document, the Pope i m p o r t a n c e o f t h e C h u r c h ' s comments that “The 2009 Synod on healthcare apostolate, not only in Africa noted as a principal concern Ghana, but throughout western Africa, the need for the Church's pastors to which is suffering at this time from the 'inspire in Christ's disciples in Africa outbreak of Ebola. I pray for the repose Pope Francis in a discussion with Ghanaian Bishops. e v e r the will to become effectively of the souls of all who have died in this greater committed to living out the Gospel in epidemic, among whom are priests, promoter their daily lives and in society … and to m e n a n d w o m e n r e l i g i o u s a n d communities rightly make many efforts s of unity and leaders in the service of obery Christ who calls constantly for healthcare workers who contracted this to alleviate extremes of poverty, so too the dialogue. May you be firm in terrible disease while caring for those Church is called, in imitation of Christ, to metanoia, for conversion'”. upholding the Church's teaching and In this regard, he notes that “The suffering. May God strengthen all work with humility and honesty, using the discipline, and unyielding in your w o r k o f c o n v e r s i o n a n d healthcare workers there and bring an goods at her disposal to open minds and charity. And may your generosity in hearts to the riches of mercy and grace evangelisation is not easy, but it bears end to this tragedy”. offering Christ be matched only by flowing from the heart of Christ”.

He continues, “The Church in precious fruit for the Church and the your humble and patient openness to Finally, the Pope advises the bishops,

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CHRIST Daily CHRISTIA IANNDaily Editorial

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T

he prevailing economic situation in the country has lately generated public debate in the country since the inception of 2014 till date. This development has led to a rise in the standard of living across the country due to the fall in the value of the cedi coupled with periodic increment in fuel prices. It has and still continues to be the current issue on the lips of most Ghanaians in commercial vehicles, homes, workplaces, social gatherings without exception to the church.

In the course of all these development prominent men of God have in their diverse ways contributed to the public discourse on the state of the country's economy with some calling on Ghanaians to pray for the fall in value of the Ghanaian cedi to the major trading currencies such as the dollar and pound stelling. Others on the other

Wednesday - Monday 6thSeptember October, 2014 Page 7Page 7 Tuesday 23rd -1st Saturday 27th 2014.

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LET US PRAY AND WORK hand have called on managers of the country's economy to get to work and fix the economy. In the light of all these ensuing arguments and complaints about the country's economy and solutions being proffered to fix the country's ailing economy , the ChristianDaily believes despite the challenges facing the country's economy, we must all join forces irrespective of our leanings to fix the challenge. The Good Book makes us aware that “faith without work is useless” hence the need for us to seriously find ways and means of not only fixing the problem but ensure that we pray for our leaders, the economist, technocrats and all en sundry who plays pivotal role in our country for God to grant them wisdom to fix the problem. The book of Timothy commands us as Christians to lift up our

hands and pray for our leaders and all those in authority. “ The ChristianDaily also believes we should learn from the saying that in unity lies strength by drawing lessons from how various nations who hitherto would not have come together to search for a missing Malaysian plane that has gone missing over a month now. Indeed prayers alone will not fix the problem but we need God to spirit to touch the leaders and all those responsible to take decisions that will inure to the benefit of the country.

We also believe Ghanaians must put a stop to some negative practices that has over the years been contributing to the fall in the value of the cedi and the current economic turmoil we find ourselves in as a nation.

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'Pope Francis Calls Major Church Meeting to Discuss Gay Unions, Contraception, Divorce

Published by: Adinkan Ltd. P.O. Box DC 135 Dansoman - Accra, Tel: 030-3933743/ 024-2526284 / 050-8251059 Managing Editor: John Elownu, Email: adinkan@yahoo.com; Website: dailychristiangh.com