Presby Moderator cautions EC on the creation of new constituencies

The Right Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), on Monday cautioned Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Chairman of the Electoral Commission about the creation of additional 45 new constituencies.

He noted that although the EC had all the right to take any decision concerning the creation of the new constituencies, the Commission should consider the financial condition of the nation.

Speaking to the press on a communiqué issued by the Church, Rev. Martey noted that the creation of the new constituencies would put a lot of financial burden on the nation as it battled to pay civil servants who are constantly threatening to go on strike.

Rev. Martey who failed to declare position of the Church either for or against the creation of the new constituencies, appealed to Dr. Afari-Gyan not to do anything that could cause problems for the country.

“Dr. Afari-Gyan is in no doubt one of the best Electoral Commissioners in Africa, and I would wish that he would not do anything that would put his track record in danger, as he would be retiring soon.

“The creation of these constituencies would mean that the nation should make budget for purchase of additional 45 four wheel drives, 45 End of Service Benefits, among others,” he said.

In a communiqué issued by the General Assembly of the Church, Rev. Martey commended the EC for conducting a successful Biometric Voters’ Registration across the country and urged the EC to work to ensure that the 2012 general elections were free and fair.

He however expressed concern about the emerging threats and challenges to the peace and security in the country, citing the recent incidence of communal violence, spousal killings, hate speeches and the issue of Fulani herdsmen as disturbing.

“The PCG suggest to government and the security agencies to look out for early warning signs and douse potential flames before they break out into full scale conflicts,” he warned.

He urged the National Media Commission to rigidly enforce its code of ethics to help build a conducive environment for media persons to have the right conscience to discharge their duties in a very professional manner.

“I will entreat Parliament to also speed up the enactment of the Broadcasting and Right to Information Bills since they would help to sanitize the media landscape and create grounds to sanction media houses that seek to endanger national stability,” he said.

He urged media houses to also acquire modern delayed transmission technologies to enable them screen their phone –in programmes.

Rev. Martey expressed concern about the high rate of unemployment and urged the government to institute pragmatic and systematic measures in place to address them.

“We urge government to address all inequalities in resource distribution, tackle corruption with all the needed seriousness it deserves, manage the oil and gas resources judiciously, as well as drastically reduce post-harvest losses and food processing and value addition,” he said.