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THE CHAIRMAN of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyina has challenged Ghanaian leaders to take the nation�s destiny into their own hands rather than rely on foreign support and aid to accelerate development. The country he observed was naturally endowed in many areas yet still depends heavily on foreign support for development 54 years after gaining independence from Britain. He was delivering the Ninth Memorial Lecture in commemoration of William Ofori Atta�s centenary celebrations in Tamale under the theme: �Embedding National Missionary Initiatives.� According to Dr. Onyina, Ghana will truly be independent and develop if its leaders as well as citizens desist from the over reliance on foreign support, emphasizing the need for the resources that are currently available to be harnessed. He noted that the time had come for the country to liberate itself from the shackles of poverty urging leaders to stop the blame game and concentrate on bringing about development without foreign aid. �It is time for politicians, religious leaders and others working for the country�s advancement to take responsibility for the current challenges,� he remarked. Dr. Onyina appealed to Ghanaians to believe in themselves and their capabilities indicating that they were up to the task of transforming the country and suggested the initiation of self-help programmes that can stand the test of time. The Church of Pentecost is currently growing in leaps and bounds; he said adding that though it was founded by James McKeon, the church does not rely on foreign support. To this end he noted that William Ofori Atta�s dream of self governance for the country will be a mirage if our governments keep over relying on foreign aid. He described the former statesman and member of the Big Six as a Christian and an Evangelist who engaged in local theology. The vision and aspirations of Paa Willie as he was affectionately called were linked to that of James McKeon who said he had not come to Ghana to make beggars but men and women of God, the chairman said. Dr. Onyina expressed the hope that Ghanaians will come to the realization that they are well endowed to take charge of their own country in terms of development.