Let's build the country together - Catholic Bishops

Accra, Dec. 22, GNA - With the elections over, Ghanaians have the responsibility to rally behind the President and Parliamentarians to build the country, the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference said on Wednesday.

"We all have to put our shoulders to the wheel and leave behind us our differences and help in building a nation whose history has not been without the difficulties that often face other countries," the Bishops said in a statement signed by the Most Reverend Charles Palmer-Buckle, Vice President of the Conference.

"We enjoin all and sundry to put behind them whatever they might have against each other, and, in the spirit of forgiveness and love, renew our commitment to a more united and peaceful Ghana." The Bishops congratulated Ghanaians for a successful election and commended the various political parties, Electoral Commission, Security Agencies and Media for their roles in ensuring a peaceful, free and fair vote.

"We, as a nation, have made the mark as one of the most hospitable and peace-loving people in the Sub-Region. We have once more shown the outside world our fervent desire as a people who cherish democracy and continue to 'cherish the cause of freedom and of right', as our national anthem resounds."

The Bishops noted that in the message on World Day of Peace, which falls on January 1, Pope John Paul II mentions some of the violent fratricidal conflicts in different parts of the world with their untold sufferings and injustices and calls on all people of goodwill to work for peace.

"The Pope reminds the world that peace is a good to be promoted with good...for individuals, for families, for nations and for all of humanity."

The Bishops urged Ghanaians to heed the message of the Pope and the angels at Christmas that wish peace to all men and women of goodwill.