Sunyani (B/A), Aug. 19, GNA - The Sunyani South District of the Midwest Ghana Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) on Sunday urged Ghanaians to cherish and preserve the country's prevailing peace before, during and after the upcoming elections.

The more than 1,400 participants, drawn from the 10 local churches within the district ended their 2012 camp meeting with a procession to showcase the need for peace.

They held placards with inscriptions such as 'Ghana is the only country we have', 'tolerate each other's view', and 'your political opponent is not your enemy' and paraded through some of the principal streets of Sunyani.

Other activities held during the four-day camp meeting, which was under the theme 'Revived by His Word,' included, health and career counseling.

Pastor Daniel Brafi, host pastor, in an address to climax the programme, advised the members to allow the teachings of the Bible to reflect in their social lives.

He reminded them that the SDA church was a non-partisan institution and that they should continue to remain neutral as the 2012 electioneering campaign drew nearer.

Pastor Brafi emphasized that peace must be the priority of every member of the church as without it they could not have the opportunity to congregate, worship and serve God.

He criticized some members of the conference, who dabbled in partisan politics and advised those who had openly identified themselves with particular political parties to refrain from such behavior.

Elder Edward Opoku Antwi, an Adventist youth leader entreated the youth in the church to be wary of politicians and avoid those who might use them as tools to foment troubles in the electioneering campaign.

He advised them to read their books rather, especially during leisure hours to broaden their knowledge and enhance their capabilities to become useful adults.

Elder Antwi expressed the optimism that the youth would always channel their exuberances into productive ventures instead of allowing selfish politicians to use them for their parochial interest.

GNA