The Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta has emphasised the critical need for peace and responsible conduct during Ghana’s electoral process in December.
Speaking at a musical concert organized by the Seraphim Choir of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bolganta and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on June 29, Bishop Agyenta underscored the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to fostering peace. An effort he said must not be wiped away with violence due to irresponsible behaviours.
“The Catholic Church has stood and worked for peace in many ways for a long time,” Bishop Agyenta affirmed, reflecting on the Church’s historical efforts in promoting harmony.
“We have achieved a lot of success in some of these areas, and therefore we would not like to see the success wiped away because of the irresponsible behaviour of any of us,” the Bishop said.
Addressing a diverse audience at the GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga, Bishop Agyenta urged all stakeholders involved in the electoral process to prioritise peace above all else.
“Go into this election with peaceful minds and the desire for peace,” he urged, emphasising the need to preserve Ghana’s current state of stability.
“I think the political parties owe us the duty to ensure that we live in peace. Because what is the point of seeking power and authority if afterward, you have nobody to govern?”
The Bishop further noted that “Politics is about service, about doing good to others,” directing a pointed message to political parties to conduct themselves with decorum and uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
As concerns about the Electoral Commission (EC) surfaced, Bishop Agyenta urged for transparency and fairness. “The EC is the referee,” he noted.
“As citizens and as Ghanaians, we are charging the EC to be up and doing regarding fair play for the conduct of this election.”
He reiterated his plea for a peaceful election and underscored the collective responsibility to uphold the democratic process.
“Therefore, we would expect they (EC) would discharge their duties with decorum, dedication, and with the desire to ensure that peaceful elections are conducted freely and in fairness,” he affirmed.
