The Parish Priest of the Kumawu Catholic Church, Reverend Father Peter Akorsah Twumasi has cautioned opinion leaders and religious bodies to desist from engaging in partisan, politics. He explained that if such bodies engaged in partisan politics, it undermines their ability to mediate effectively on issues that involved politicians. He noted that, politics was the purest form of Christianity, and a root of unity, so it should not be used as a yardstick to bring division in society. Rev. Father Twumasi made the call at a workshop organised by the Christian mothers association for women activists and leaders from 50 catholic dioceses in the Ashanti region. The ceremony dubbed "Towards 2010 District Assembly Elections, Pushing the agenda for increased women participation" sought to sensitise women to fully participate in the governing process of the country. It also aimed at educating and motivating women to show active interest in the political activities in the country. Rev. Father Twumasi therefore urged Ghanaians to forge ahead in unity and live harmoniously with their neighbours. The Executive Secretary for the Christian Mothers Association, Mrs Elizabeth Addae, called for practical efforts to encourage more women to run for public offices, especially at the district levels. She pointed out that many women do not only wield a lot of influence in society, but also very skilful in many fields and amassed a lot of experience. She said such women therefore needed to be actively encouraged and supported to take up public offices to enable them contribute meaningfully towards sustainable national development. Mrs Addae reiterated that, women's participation in public offices was essential because they would be role models to the youth to build their potentials for future prospects. She noted that, it was time for women to value their inherent potentials and gather the courage, strength and confidence to develop their capabilities for them to be recognised and rewarded by the political leadership in the country. Mrs Addae also appealed to the government to involve women in the decision making process in the country from the grassroot to the highest level to accelerate national development. For her part, the church President of Amakom St Paul's Catholic Church, Madam Augustina Boakye, advised women to be supportive, committed and dedicated in the upbringing of their wards. This, she said, would enable the youth develop positive attitude and build their potentials to enhance their future prospects. Source: Daily Graphic