The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has called on government to fully operationalise the University Of Ghana Medical Centre.

Professor J.O.Y. Mante in his speech at the ongoing 19^th General Assembly of the Church said infrastructure initiatives undertaken by government are of no use if Ghanaians do not benefit from them.

“Why should such a huge intervention in the healthcare system be sitting idle when several people are suffering from lack of good medical care in this country, just for someone to score political points,” he said.

The Moderator also cited the old terminal at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) which has not been in use since other new terminals were constructed.

According to him, developmental interventions like these are what jobs opportunities for the youth, and advance the country, hence, government must pay critical attention to the issue and address them.

He highlighted that although the country gained independence some 63 years ago, some citizens are living in bad conditions.

The man of God added, “we need leaders including church leaders that would help us and not leaders that will milk us”.

Speaking about the upcoming general elections, the Moderator advised the governing New Patriotic Party and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to desist from unhealthy polarisation.

He said should the high rise political tension persist, social cohesion will be difficult, thereby, impeding the nation’s growth.

Citing the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, Prof Mante said, “I really pray that such a thing will never ever happen in the history of this country, otherwise we will find it difficult to trust politicians”.

Commenting on Free SHS, the Moderator commended the Akufo-Addo government for introducing the policy.

This, he said, could facilitate the development of a nation that is really dependent on the literacy rate of its citizens.

He was, however, optimistic that government would find the resources to construct more schools in order to take off the double-track system.

Prof Mante then announced a 10-year strategic plan that would guide the Presbyterian Church in evangelism and growth with strong focus on youth and children, because investment in the youth was critical to national development on all facets.

Representing President Akufo-Addo, the Eastern Region Minister, Eric Kwakye Dafuor acknowledged that the PCG had contributed immensely to the country’s development.

“Therefore the continuous functioning of the church without any acrimony among members or leadership is very paramount to government.”

He said government always welcomes the ideas of others since every citizen has a right to comment on issues and contribute to the development of education, health, agriculture and general economy of the state.