As Ghana approaches its crucial 2024 general elections, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference is urging all stakeholders to uphold peace, integrity, and fairness throughout the electoral process.
The message carried in a statement dated September 8 and signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, calls on political parties, the Electoral Commission, the media, the judiciary, security services, the youth, religious leaders, and the Ghanaian people to play their roles with dedication and respect.
“With human dignity and democratic values at the forefront, we urge all political parties to conduct their campaigns respectfully and constructively,” the statement said. It emphasised that political discourse should avoid inflammatory rhetoric and adhere to the laws governing elections.
The Bishops also addressed the Electoral Commission, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness. “We trust that the Electoral Commission will uphold its mandate impartially and address any concerns regarding the electoral process transparently,” the statement further said..
The role of the media in shaping public perception was also underscored. “We call on media houses to practice responsible journalism by providing accurate, unbiased, and balanced reporting,” the statement urged, emphasising the importance of avoiding sensationalism that could incite division.
In their message to the judiciary, the Bishops called for continued fairness and impartiality in handling electoral disputes. “The judiciary’s role in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process cannot be overstated,” the statement read.
Addressing the security services, the statement urged professionalism and respect for human rights, stressing the need for impartiality to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
The youth, seen as the future of Ghana, were encouraged to participate positively in the electoral process. “We urge all young people to engage constructively and resist manipulations that might lead to disruptive behavior,” the statement added.
Traditional and religious leaders were called upon to promote national unity and peace. “Let our actions reflect our commitment to harmony and reconciliation,” the Bishops advised, urging leaders to mediate peace and reduce tension.
The Bishops also appealed to the Ghanaian electorate to vote wisely and responsibly, emphasizing that each vote shapes the future of the nation. “Your vote is a powerful tool for shaping the future of our nation,” the communiqué highlighted.
Read the full statement below
COMMUNIQUE OF THE GHANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE ON GENERAL ELECTIONS, 2024
To:
Political Parties
The Electoral Commission
The Media
The Judiciary
Security Services
The Youth
Religious Leaders
The Ghanaian PeoplePROMOTING PEACE, INTEGRITY, AND FAIRNESS IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Receive peaceful and prayerful greetings, in the name of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Following our custom of addressing you before the General Elections of our country, we, the Bishops of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, feel compelled to address all stakeholders involved in this all-important democratic exercise to emphasize our collective responsibility in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and fair electoral process. As we approach this critical period in our nation’s democratic journey, it is essential for every sector to play its role with integrity and dedication.Political Parties
We urge all political parties to conduct their on-going campaigns with respect for democratic values and the dignity of all individuals. Political discourse should be rooted in constructive dialogue and a commitment to the common good. We call on all parties to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and to respect the laws governing elections and political conduct.
The Electoral Commission
We trust that the Electoral Commission will uphold its mandate with transparency and fairness. It
is crucial that the Commission ensures that all electoral processes are carried out impartially and
in accordance with the law. We encourage the Commission to facilitate open communication with
all stakeholders and to address any concerns regarding the electoral process promptly and
transparently.The Media
The media plays a vital role in shaping public perception and ensuring that the electorate is wellinformed. We call on media houses to practise responsible journalism by providing accurate, unbiased, and balanced reporting. It is imperative that the media helps to foster a well-informed electorate and avoid sensationalism that may incite division or conflict.
The Judiciary
We appeal to the judiciary to continue upholding justice with fairness and impartiality. In the event
of electoral disputes, we trust that the judiciary will address them with the utmost integrity and
adherence to the rule of law. The judiciary’s role in maintaining public confidence in the electoral
process cannot be overstated.Security Services
The security services are tasked with the responsibility of maintaining peace and order. We call on all security personnel to perform their duties with professionalism and respect for human rights. It is essential that the security services work impartially and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, without bias or favouritism.
The Youth
The youth are both the present and future of our nation. Conscious of this fact, we urge all young people of Ghana especially, those who have attained the eligible age and registered to vote to engage in the elections positively and constructively. Let your voices be heard in this crucial electoral process for the advancement of our democracy and be responsible enough to resist manipulations from any quarters to engage in any disruptive or violent behaviour.
Traditional and Religious Leaders
Our country is in the middle of a rather stiff political competition and we are at the crossroads. It is, therefore, essential to prioritize national unity and peace. We call on all Traditional and Religious Leaders to foster an environment of mutual respect, actively work towards reducing tension and be mediators of peace. As we strive to be circumspect in our teachings, let our actions reflect our commitment to harmony and reconciliation, ensuring that our electoral process does not sow seeds of discord but rather strengthens our national fabric.
The Ghanaian People
To the entire electorate, we urge you to exercise your right to vote wisely and responsibly. Educate
yourselves about the candidates and their platforms, and vote for those who align with your vision
for a better Ghana. Your vote is a powerful tool for shaping the future of our nation, and it is crucial
that it is cast with careful consideration and respect for the democratic process.Conclusion
In conclusion, we wish to reiterate our firm resolve to do whatever is within our power to foster and maintain the peace and stability of Mother Ghana, in the unswerving-conviction that it is both our civic and God-mandated duty for the integral development of our people.
We also urge you all, our brothers and sisters; to work together to ensure that our elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace, fairness, and mutual respect. May our actions and words reflect our commitment to the values of true Freedom, Justice, Probity and Accountability.
Finally, we remind you all of the exhortation of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9) May God bless our Homeland Ghana and make her great and strong! Yours in the service of God and Country,
MOST REV. MATTHEW KWASI GYAMFI
BISHOP OF SUNYANI & PRESIDENT OF THE
GHANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2024
