Church urges nationwide dialogue on towing levy

The Kumasi Diocesan Methodist Church is urging nationwide dialogue on the mandatory towing levy to deepen public understanding of the policy.

It indicated that majority of the people had not properly understood and remained unconvinced about the proposed approach to the implementation of the policy and therefore the need for stronger engagement and wider consultation with all stakeholders.

The Right Reverend Christopher Nyarko Andam, the Diocesan Bishop, said the situation should not be created that would make it seem like this was an imposition – against the will of the people.

Stating the position of the church on the levy, which has generated so much controversy, he said although the move by the government to curtail road crashes caused by broken vehicles, left unattended, was a move in the right direction, for now, it must be put on hold.

“Let us take our time to cut off all the rough edges to ensure that we put in place a good policy that will be beneficial to all and sundry.”

Bishop Andam was addressing a press conference held in Kumasi to herald this year’s annual prophetic and healing convention of the diocesan church.

The five-day convention, under the theme “Expanding the Kingdom of God: the Holy Spirit Factor”, aims at helping members of the church to renew their faith and promote their spiritual growth.

It would also provide the platform to educate them on their civic responsibilities and motivate them to find space to contribute to the development of the nation.

Bishop Andam expressed the excitement of the church at the bold decision by the government to implement the free senior high school (SHS) policy.

He, however, advised that it went the extra mile to make sure that the quality of secondary education was not compromised.

He added that the government must not only invest in expanding access, but equally importantly, the quality.

“As a nation, we must dedicate equal attention to quality tuition, availability of teaching logistics and teacher motivation, not only in the big cities but equitably in rural and deprived areas.”

He underlined the unswerving commitment of the church to continually engage the government on improving the educational system.