Accra, Dec. 9, GNA - The West Volta Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church, Ghana on Saturday appealed to government to assist the Church in the establishment of the first university for the Volta Region, scheduled to take off in January 2007.

Mr Emmanuel E Danku, President of the Presbyters' Union, who made the call in Accra said the E P University, which took off this year with only the administrative aspects was bound to come into full gear by January 2007.

"But what is needed at the moment is financial support form all quarters, especially from members for academic work to start in earnest in January," he said.

He said government support was equally needed and would be greatly appreciated if given early, due to the speed with which the Church desired to provide a functional university for the Region by January. Mr Danku was speaking at the 43rd Delegates Conference of the Presbyters in Accra.

He also appealed to government to consider paying members of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) their October salaries, since the withholding of the salaries had brought untold hardships to many homes.

"We are not on the side of the teachers for embarking on strike, and neither are we on the side of government, for withholding the salaries for no work done. But we are only acting as advocates for those who are facing hardships at this time of the year hence our appeal," he said.

Mr Danku said as presbyters' their duty was to lead the Church in all their endeavours with emphasis on the growth and well being of members and the Church, hence the appeal for support for the university as well as teachers.

He advised the delegates not to relent in their duty as elders of the Church, but rather they should be dedicated and steadfast in all their endeavours.

"As Presbyters you should hold meeting within your districts and discuss issues that pertain to your areas so that when we meet like this we can discuss issues that affect the various districts," he said. Mr Prosper Kofi Attakey, Outgoing Presbyter Executive to Synod, thanked the delegates for their support during his term of office and appealed to them to give the new executives the same support. He said what the Union needed was unity, dedication to duty and compassion for one another.

"It is our duty to ensure the growth of the Church as leaders," he reminded the delegates. He appealed to them to study the bible assiduously in order to lead the congregation anytime that they were called upon to so do.