The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has emphasized that meaningful and sustainable development in the region can only be achieved through strong cooperation among religious institutions and other key stakeholders.

He made these remarks during a courtesy call by the leadership of the Christian Divine Church at the Western Regional Coordinating Council in Sekondi.

According to the Minister, development initiatives are more effective when religious bodies, traditional authorities, and government agencies work together towards shared objectives.

“The progress of the nation does not depend solely on politicians. Many politicians are also members of the church, and since Ghana came into existence, the role the church has played has been valuable.

“The church has been building schools and hospitals, which contribute to the progress of the nation. The involvement and efforts of the church cannot be downplayed,” he said.

Mr. Nelson commended the church for the visit and acknowledged the vital role faith-based organizations play in fostering peace, unity, and social cohesion within communities.

“The work that the Christian Divine Church is doing in this region, particularly in building individual character, is commendable. This helps individuals in their lives and enables them to contribute to national development in a God-fearing way,” he stated.

He further encouraged religious leaders to continue using their platforms to promote peace and mutual respect, stressing that these values are crucial for stability and growth.

The Minister also called for stronger collaboration between the church and the Regional Coordinating Council to implement community-based initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across the Western Region.