Our leaders must minimise mistakes - Prof. Martey charges

The immediate past Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, has said the methods of the pro-violent vigilante groups and their unorthodox modus operandi have been a severe dent on the democratic credentials of the country.

“The earlier the government puts a halt to this national shame and puts damage control strategies in place, the better for our young democracy,” he stated.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Christ Apostolic College in Kumasi at the weekend, Prof. Martey said even though the Akufo-Addo government was less than 100 days old, Ghanaians were nonetheless watching their every move.

He, therefore, urged the government to “minimise their mistakes, since violence is violence no matter who commits it, violence is violence no matter who perpetuates it, and must be condemned in no uncertain terms”.

Rev. Martey said Ghana must not be taken years or decades back, but should rather move forward into freedom and justice, progress and development in order to bring into fruition the vision of the nation’s political forebears.

He said the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government had not even elapsed its first 100 days, but were committing copious mistakes which, if not addressed early, could derail the fortunes of the country.

Wherewithal

According to Prof. Martey, already there were widespread reports that some political functionaries belonging to the ruling party were allegedly paying money to influence the appointments of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), adding that anyone who indulged in such immoral and unethical act had already proved to be corrupt and had no place in the governance of the new Ghana envisaged by all.

 Rev. Martey explained  that many did not doubt the ethical leadership and skills of the current President, but as to whether the personalities who had been appointed to help him (President) govern the country had the competence or not  to enable the President to implement his vision was yet to be seen.

“Galamsey”

Rev. Martey condemned the rampant degradation of forests, farmlands and water bodies through illicit mining, popularly referred to as “galamsey”, and wondered whether there were governmental agencies which were mandated to protect the environment.

“With the presence of galamsey in the country, Ghana is at war, and I wonder why authorities look on unconcerned while these ‘foreign economic guerrillas’ and their local mercenary collaborators ruin the natural resources of the country,’’ he stated.

Graduation 

The Chancellor of  the Christ Apostolic College, Apostle Dr Stephen Ntow Amoani, advised the graduands not to be nation wreckers when they enter public service; but should be moral agents and ethical leaders wherever they may be to help transform Ghana.