Akropong (E/R), Aug. 28, GNA - The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has called on the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to be proactive and halt the spread of unauthorized markets along on the roadside.
Reverend Dr Victor Abbey, the Acting Moderator of the General Assembly, said when the MMDAs wait for such indiscipline to develop before they set in to clear the traders- it becomes difficult “because by then they have already taken roots and made substantial investments”.
Addressing a press conference to present a communiqué issued at the end of the 18 General Assembly at Akropong, he called on the authorities to enforce strict and relevant laws as well as provide alternative market places for traders on the streets.
Reverend Abbey said the recent Ashaiman incident where a truck run over traders on the roadside killing three persons and injuring several was a clear example of a serious situation which could occur in many more cities and towns, hence, the need for MMDAs to rise up to the call and strengthen their mandate.
The acting Moderator said another unhealthy development is the attempt to read political meaning into any attempt to decongest the roadside saying “the General Assembly notes with deep worry the persistent tendency of sections of the public to blackmail ruling governments anytime authorities attempt to decongest the city, we call on the public to cease from this self-destructive behaviour”.
The General Assembly’s communiqué also expressed concern about the use of ‘okada’ as a means of transport in the cities and urged government to come out with a law regulating their activities.
The General Assembly is the highest decision making body of the PCG and it is attended by commissioners representing the various presbyteries and other constituencies of the church to deliberate on wide range of issues affecting the church and the state.
Highlights of this year’s meeting was the commemoration of the 100 years of the first of such meetings then called “SYNOD” which was held at Akropong, the same venue, in 1918 and election of a new Moderator in the person of Reverend Professor JOY Mante, President of the Trinity Theological College.
GNA
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