The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has extolled the leadership of the outgoing Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the Right Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey, describing him as a clergyman whose “opinions have brought public discourse to a higher level in our country”

Addressing the 16th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Abetifi, Kwahu, in the Eastern Region, that will see the selection of Martey’s successor, Akufo-Addo said Reverend Professor Martey was a “remarkable man who has given contemporary meaning to the concept of a true Presbyterian: fearless, hardworking, and passionate about the pursuit of justice”.

For him, the tenure of the outspoken reverend Minister was “a most refreshing time,” adding “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”.

Nana Addo said although Prof. Martey could hit hard at politicians with his criticisms making them feel uncomfortable sometimes, he’d kept his eyes firmly on his goals and never wavered.

“We, who are politicians, might not always have been comfortable with some of his pronouncements (and as the Moderator knows, I have first-hand experience of that) but I suspect Professor Martey would not consider it his duty to put any politician in a comfort zone.

“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.

“It has certainly been a joy and a good lesson for the rest of us to have had the privilege of watching. 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.