A pastoral letter from the Christian Council of Ghana has called on the government to provide adequate funds for the operations of the Electoral Commission (EC) to help it to conduct a free, fair and transparent election in December, 2008. The clergymen also urged the government to create a level playing field to encourage fair and keen competition that would avail to the nation the best of talents, expertise and commitment at the level of leadership. They added that politicians with something productive to offer the nation should be encouraged. In the letter, the Council stated, "we would like to see the discussion of issues, programmes and proposals rather than the trading of insults. “We trust the Electoral Commission will come out with what it needs for the conduct of a free and fair election soon for election 2008 and when it does that the necessary funding and logistics will be provided on time.” The Council urged the faithful to continue to watch and pray for elections 2008. Expressing its deepest appreciation to President J.A. Kufuor and his government for the economic and political stability that the country was enjoying, the Council wished the President good health and effective leadership in the last one-and-a-half years in office. "We wish to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your assumption of the Chairmanship of the Africa Union and to thank God, you and all Ghanaians for the successful and effective organisation of the 19th AU Conference," the letter said. Touching on crime, the Council condemned all forms of murders, which seem to be on the increase, saying, "The recent unexplained high-profile murder cases are unacceptable and we extend our condolences to the bereaved families." It asked Ghanaians to desist from perpetuating instant justice on suspects and allow al suspects to have the benefit of a fair trial or hearing. The Council reiterated its condemnation of drug traffickers and urged church leaders to intensify their efforts at educating the people, especially the youth, regarding the dangers inherent in drug abuse and drug trafficking. Touching on chieftaincy disputes, the Council said it was concerned that chieftaincy conflicts and disputes seemed to be on the rise. It expressed the hope that under the leadership of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, the traditional rules for chieftaincy and succession would be clearly defined and documented. Sources: Daily Graphic/GNA.