Nana Akufo-Addo (left) in a handshake with Professor Martey
The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, 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.”
Describing the entire period in office of reverend Martey as “a most refreshing time,” Nana Akufo-Addo 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 NPP flagbearer made this known on Monday, August 22, 2016, whilst addressing the 16th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, at Abetifi, Kwahu, in the Eastern Region. 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.”