Presby Church In Daylight Partisan Politics

The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party(NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, has described the outgoing Moderator of the Presby Church, Professor Emmanuel Martey, as a “remarkable man who has given contemporary meaning to the concept of a true Presbyterian: fearless, hardworking and passionate about the pursuit of justice.”

Nana Addo, who was allowed to address the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Abetifi Kwahu, in the Eastern Region, described the entire period in office of controversial Reverend Martey as, “a most refreshing time.”

The NPP flagbearer noted that “there has certainly not been one boring moment during his tenure as Moderator, as he has rendered service to the Church, to Ghana and to mankind.”

According to him, “we, who are politicians, might not always have been comfortable with some of his pronouncements (and as the Moderator knows, I have firsthand experience of that!); but I suspect Professor Martey would not consider it his duty to put any politician in a comfort zone.”

He continued, “It is not his style, and it is fair to say he has kept his eyes firmly on his primary goal of protecting the vulnerable and disadvantaged, as he has spoken some very uncomfortable truths. His energy and ever challenging opinions have brought public discourse to a higher level in our country.”

The General Assembly, amongst others, is set to select a successor to the outgoing Moderator.

Nana Akufo-Addo, further noted that Prof. Martey, whilst as Moderator, conducted himself with dignity and elegance even when faced with extreme provocation, stating that “it has certainly been a joy and a good lesson for the rest of us to have had the privilege of watching” him.

“I don’t know what ex-Moderators do, but something tells me we shall be hearing more from this irreplaceable man. His voice will certainly be needed as we go into this election period and beyond,” he added.

The NPP flagbearer, prayed for God’s guidance for the church in the selection of a new Moderator, praying for one “who can fill these huge shoes that he is leaving behind.”

Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, assured the NPP 2016 presidential candidate 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 had 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 this 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.”