Leaders of religious and political parties in the country have been urged to ensure that their members eschew violent and intemperate language that has the tendency to undermine the peace and security of the country, before, during, and after the December polls.

Dr. Sam Owusu, General Overseer of Champion Way Chapel International, who made this appeal at the 38th Pastoral Graduation ceremony of the Covenant Mission College, said Ghanaians cannot afford to take the peace currently being enjoyed in the country for granted, adding that posterity would not forgive these leaders if they fail on this mandate.

He noted that the Church especially, was failing on its core mission as an agent of peace and an embodiment of compassion.

He said most leaders in the body of Christ had become self-centred and were not interested in the development of the people they lead.

"There are a number of poor people in the churches who only need a little push to liberate them out of their predicament, but we, most at times, neglect them."

Dr. Owusu explained that the church had the obligation give assistance as part of its social responsibility, in addition to meeting their spiritual needs.

In furtherance of this, he said he has instituted scholarship schemes in his church to help needy but brilliant students achieve their academic dreams.

He, however, charged the new graduates to be agents of transformation in society by restoring the virtues of peace, compassion, and rather give to society than take from it.

He also urged the churches and other relevant agencies to embark on aggressive programmes to educate the youth to lead good moral lives and become more responsible for national progress.