Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Friday extended a hand of welcome to charitable institutions to help Government address pockets of poverty that still affect sections of the Ghanaian community. He observed that the new government was elected on the great expectation of the people and amidst challenges, which required the need to take good decisions to improve the economy and build a better life for the people. The Vice President made the request when a delegation from the Free Masons called on him at the Castle, Osu, in Accra. Vice President Mahama said the government was for all the people of Ghana, irrespective of political affiliation, and Ghana, as a democratic nation, would welcome assistance from institutions as they engaged in normal associations and activities and did something good for the benefit of the society. He encouraged the Free Masons to continue to bring their activities to the fore. The delegation, led by the Ghana Grand Master Mr J. Stanley Pierre debunked the idea that the Masons mostly operated in secrecy. He said they were engaged in activities such as road safety for school children. He said the Lodges were a brotherhood which cut across religions and assured Government of their loyalty. Source: GNA