As the 2024 elections in Ghana approach, there have been growing calls for political parties and other election stakeholders to refrain from any form of pre-election, during, and post-election violence.
As a matter of concern, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), has urged the youth in the country to eschew activities that could cause violence in the upcoming polls.
According to Bishop Gyamfi, the Church continues to groom the youth through various means to be law-abiding and socially responsible, with the aim of fostering positive impact.
“Love your country, without that you can’t be a good Catholic. In effect, ensure violence-free elections. Form peace clubs, be an agent of peace and don’t be an agent or be used to cause violence,” he encouraged.
The Bishop made this call during his homily at the climax mass of the 50th anniversary of the Ghana National Catholic Youth Council (GHANCYC) and the 5th Ghana version of the World Youth Day celebration in Sunyani, Bono Region.
The celebration was held under the theme “GHANCYC @ 50: Fostering the Growth of the Catholic Youth through Collaborative Ministry and Shaping Peaceful Elections”.
Bishop Gyamfi, who is the Catholic Bishop of Sunyani Diocese, revealed that the youth in the Church are a priority for the GCBC, and they discuss ways to improve the youth in every meeting.
The Bishop stressed the importance of the youth maintaining their Catholic faith and actively spreading it within their communities. He encouraged them to be steadfast in their beliefs and courageous in professing their religion.
“Caution, correct and encourage not to forget the faith, the essence of Catholic faith. When confuse, listen to the authorities – the bishops, the priests,” he advised.
The Bishop further urged the youth to “Keep to our Pax Romana, pray the rosary, keep to what the Bishops has been preaching. Defend the faith, defend it and preach it. We want to see a vibrant youth who share their faith.”
He encouraged the youth to arm and educate themselves with the church’s documents and teachings.
Emphasizing the need for unity, Bishop Gyamfi stated, “The battle going on, you need to arm yourself spiritually and physically by reading.” He also urged the various youth societies, such as CYO, Pax Romana, and COSRA to come together under the GHANCYC banner whenever called upon.
