Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has appealed to religious organisations to strengthen the teaching of moral principles and inculcate in the youth values that would prepare them to take up leadership responsibilities in future.

 He said Ghana needed God fearing people to lead it to attain socio-economic and political prosperity and there was the need for religious organisations to train and mould the youth with values that would position them appropriately to take up the challenge.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said this at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Tuesday when Right Reverend Allan McDonald, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, paid a courtesy call on him.

The Moderator is in the country to strengthen the historical ties that exist between the Church of Scotland and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

The Asantehene commended the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for its contribution to the socio-economic development and peace in the country.

He mentioned education, health, agriculture and the inculcation of moral discipline among Ghanaians as areas the church had occupied itself with over the years and said that had helped to improve the lives of the people and strengthened their sense of patriotism.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the visit by the Moderator of the Church of Scotland demonstrated the strong bond that exists between the two churches and urged them to identify areas of collaboration that would further strengthen their relationship for the benefit of their members.

Rt Rev McDonald said Ghana continued to serve as a role model for many countries in Africa and commended the chiefs and people for their roles in ensuring peace and unity as well as religious harmony in the country.

He said the Presbyterian Church was interested in the education and moral upbringing of its members and commended the Asantehene on his efforts at promoting the education and health of his people.

Rt Rev Dr Yaw Frimpong Manso, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, traced the relationship between the two churches to the early part of the 20th century and said the two churches had collaborated in many ways to promote the welfare of their members.

He praised traditional rulers for supporting the growth and development of the church.