The Asante South Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has been inaugurated at a ceremony at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region with a call on the clergy to shun partisan politics.

The Right Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey, Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCG, noted that priesthood was apolitical, and as such it was expected of the clergy to remain neutral, and not to show open support for one party or the other.

He, however, urged Ministers of the Gospel to be bold to speak against the ills and vices in society, to shape it for the better, to improve the well being of the people.

The new Presbytery, the 20th to be created by the General Assembly, following the advent of the Church more than 100 years ago, was carved out of the Asante Presbytery of the Church, consists of six main districts, including Obuasi, Anyinam, Kunka, Dunkwa, New Edubiase and Wassa Akropong.

Rt Rev Prof. Martey decried the seemingly development challenges confronting the nation, and stressed the need for the leadership to demonstrate patriotism in the discharge of their duties to improve the situation.

“We need men of integrity and those who fear God to lead our development efforts for the effective utilization of state resources to bring comfort to the people,” he noted.

The Moderator took a swipe at Christians for not adhering to Biblical principles in their endeavours, saying “it takes a God-fearing generation to bring about a breakthrough in any society’s socio-economic aspirations.”

Rt Rev Prof. Martey tasked the new Presbytery to work assiduously for the sustainable growth of Presbyterianism.