The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisah Djaba has urged Churches to raise more disciplined, selfless and God-fearing human resources for the development of the nation.

According to the Minister, the role of the Church in nation building cannot be underestimated, hence the need for them to be active participants and strengthen their partnership with the Government to accelerate development.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 130th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and Annual Harvest 2017, Madam Otiko Djaba commended the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for their immense contribution to the development of Ghana, spiritually and materially.

She said that the Presbyterian Church was one of the earliest churches that has contributed immensely to the development of Ghana in diverse ways. The Church, according to the Minister, has been much effective in partnering with successive Governments to developing a quality human resource for the country with schools like the Aburi Girls SHS, the PRESEC SHS at Legon and the many PRESECs across Ghana, the Krobo Girls SHS etc.

Several Hospitals and the Nursing Training institutions at Bawku and Agogo among many others that have churned out great men and women in all fields of national endeavour be it political, academia, in the medical field, legal and business.

“The quality of believers raised in the churches of today can positively impact a nation; because these are the same people we meet as civil servants, legislators, security personnel, health personnel, teachers and political leaders etc.

"I thus entreat the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to continue to stand for the truth and speak against the ills in our society and speak also for the vulnerable or the poor in society. This is where I agree with King Lemuel in the book of Proverbs 31:8-9 which says; 'Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed… Speak up for the poor and helpless and see that they get justice'”.

The Minister further charged the Church to bring up their children in the way of God to enable them to grow as responsible citizens with moral uprightness.

“As it is the wish of this Government to hand over all the mission schools back to the churches, let us ensure that we instil the proverbial values of 'self-discipline, respect and hard work' which distinguish Presbyterians from all others, into our children so they come out as very good and responsible citizens”.

Madam Otiko Djaba called on parents to take advantage of the free SHS policy of the Government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo and send their children to school, since education is the key to development of every society.

She frowned against the high prevalence of teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS in the Krobo area of the Eastern Region as a whole, and charged the people especially the youth to avoid premarital and casual sex, be faithful to their partners and protect themselves from dangers.

Sermon of the day was preached by Rev. Dr Victor O. Abbey, the Ag. Moderator General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Ghana.