President Akufo-Addo
President Nana Akufo-Addo has appealed to the clergy to refrain from making prophecies about the upcoming December 7 elections, emphasising the need for respect and caution during this critical period.
He urged religious leaders in the country to guide their congregations in promoting peace and stability.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, at the “Agent of Peace” campaign organised by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) on Sunday, the President stressed the importance of decorum.
Recently, the country has witnessed tensions and controversies surrounding prophecies and their potential impact on national stability.
President Akufo-Addo emphasised the vital role the church plays in fostering a harmonious environment.
“I call on all our revered members of the clergy to put a check on their members who are going around prophesying winners of an election that is yet to be held,” he stated.
Highlighting the responsibilities of the Electoral Commission (EC), the President urged the electoral management body to conduct the upcoming elections with fairness and transparency.
“The power lies in the hands of the electorate,” he asserted, while encouraging citizens to conduct themselves with dignity and respect before, during, and after the elections.
President Akufo-Addo also urged presidential aspirants to reach out to each other and work toward bridging societal divides.
“Let us build a future where peace reigns supreme. Peace is not just a distant goal we seek; it is the means by which we achieve our aspirations,” he continued.
He called for a peaceful environment, noting that a peaceful atmosphere is essential for nurturing a brighter future for the youth and future generations.
“Let us affirm our support for initiatives that promote peace and unity among us,” he urged, reminding citizens that they are each other’s keepers.
NPP for Peace
The running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, pledged the party’s commitment to peace, affirming that the NPP is dedicated to peace.
“Our election campaign is fundamentally a contest of ideas in pursuit of the people’s mandate to form a government and lead our nation. This principle is deeply ingrained in our values, and we will continue to uphold it,” he stated.
“Let us come together to sign the peace accord, demonstrating our commitment to this vital cause. Today, we gather to advocate for peace and urge one another to recognise its significance,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh added.
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, reaffirmed his party’s commitment to peace before, during, and after the December 7 elections.
He stated, “In these challenging times of severe economic hardship, rising unemployment, and deep-seated corruption, we must act quickly and wisely to prevent our nation from descending into chaos.”
He emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration, saying, “The National Democratic Congress is firmly committed to upholding peace before, during, and after the upcoming elections.” He continued, “We are not merely calling for peace; we are dedicated to building a peaceful and prosperous Ghana.”
Religious Defamation
President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, called on political leaders to avoid defamatory statements that could jeopardise the nation’s democracy.
Apostle Nyamekye noted that this year’s election presents itself uniquely, as it features Ghana’s first Muslim presidential candidate and a former president vying for a second term in office in the upcoming December 7 elections.
“It is crucial that we avoid turning our campaigns into religious confrontations. While we acknowledge that spiritual battles exist, we can choose to avoid religious conflicts,” he added.
He urged political parties to commit to fostering an environment of peace and unity as the country prepares for elections.
He highlighted that over the years, Ghana has been blessed with peace, especially during its elections.
“Ghana is celebrated globally as an oasis of peace in the West African sub-region and throughout the continent. We have experienced eight peaceful general elections, along with numerous by-elections during the Fourth Republic.
“These significant accomplishments did not come by chance; they are the result of contributions from various stakeholders, many of whom are represented here today,” he noted.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke