The outgoing Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, has assured the 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, that the Church stands ready to partner with the NPP to build Ghana.
Rev. Prof. Martey’s comments were in response to an appeal by Nana Akufo-Addo who, whilst addressing the 16th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church on Monday, August 22, described the Presbyterian Church “as a progressive partner in the project of the self-confident and prosperous Ghana that my Party seeks to build.”
According to Prof. Martey, the Presbyterian Church is taking the appeals made by the NPP flagbearer seriously, especially the five policy measures raised by Nana Akufo-Addo in eliminating the canker of corruption, which has plagued the country in recent years.
These five measures, as outlined by the NPP flagbearer, include providing the requisite leadership to tackle corruption; the scrupulous enforcement of the teachings of the Public Procurement Act (Act 663); the establishment by Act of Parliament of an Office of Independent Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute certain categories of cases and allegations of corruption; the devotion of more resources to enhance the capacity of anti-corruption agencies; and supporting all moves to give Parliament greater oversight capability over the activities of the Executive.
“We are taking these seriously. For us, as a church, the Presbyterian Church is the oldest, existing church in this country. We will not sit down for newer churches and political parties to come and mess up our country,” he indicated.
To this end, Prof. Martey indicated that “we will keep on praying for you, and for calling the Presbyterian Church into partnership, we will partner you to build Ghana… Nana, I wish you well. Your seriousness and experience. You have said you’re a Christian, so stay in your faith and you will be an overcomer.”
The Presby Moderator further commended Nana Akufo-Addo “for your clean campaign, and your sense of political maturity and decency.” He indicated that as compared to other political parties, in the use of indecent language on the media landscape, “you (in the NPP) are doing better.”
Often described as a controversial figure for his outspoken nature, Rev. Prof. Martey explained that “truth ought to be spoken, and Presbyterian Church of Ghana, as a bible believing and practicing church, stands for the truth.
“It is only in a corrupt society that the truth becomes controversial. But we are not perturbed if we are described as controversial because we speak the truth. We will continue to speak the truth, and the truth is Jesus Himself.”
He continued, “Nana we know the work that the NPP has done. The evidence is clear. From 2001 to 2009, we know what you did. From 2009 up till now, we also know what is happening. You have asked for our prayers. Your request is very selfless. You first said we should pray for peace and unity for Ghana, and then NPP before you asked for prayers for yourself. We will be with you in prayers.”
By: 3news.com|Ghana
Twitter: @3newsgh