Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, founder and General Overseer of Worldwide Miracle Outreach in the United Kingdom, has advised members of the clergy to desist from predicting the outcome of the December 7 elections.
According to him, the business of calling election results is solely the preserve of the Electoral Commission (EC).
He stated that it is important that men of God in the country do not lose their credibility in the name of partisan politics.
The evangelist of international repute was addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday as a prelude to a three-day healing crusade which starts today on the Theme: “When the Holy Spirit Moves.”
Several Christian leaders have in the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections in December, predicted victory for the two main contenders in the race to the Flagstaff House, the seat of government.
While others tip the National Democratic Congresses’ (NDC’s) John Mahama to retain his position as president, others also insist that time is up for Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be president – all claiming to have had revelations from God.
Dr. Tetteh has however, described the development as unfortunate.
He said, “I strongly want to admonish the clergy of Ghana during this election year to be mindful of their predictions and utterances as to who wins the December 7, 2016 elections.”
The founder of Worldwide Miracle Outreach continued, “As men of God we must rise up to our responsibilities to maintain our respect as spiritual gate-keepers of the land. God already knows the winner because kings and leaders are enthroned by God. Please, avoid predictions so that we can have a meaningful election devoid of political tension and unrest.”
The evangelist explained that as spiritual leaders, “Our core responsibility is to pray for our leaders and the nation and NOT to predict elections results. That is the work of the EC.”
Beyond the call on his fellow clergymen to keep to their role in the society, Dr. Tetteh said that the EC boss must also be prayed for in order for her to discharge her duties creditably.
“I will also call on our spiritual leaders to pray fervently for the Electoral Commission, especially Mrs. Charlotte Osei, for the wisdom and direction of God to be fair to all political parties in discharging her duties.
Touching on the media, Dr Tetteh said, “I have no doubt that you are fully aware of the vital role you play in the country, especially at times such as this. I would plead with you to be responsible and unbiased in your reportage and desist from getting drawn into the banter of the politicians. Safeguard your esteemed profession; and your love for Ghana should be your guiding principle.”
In his view, journalists and the various media houses, in performing their gate-keeping role, must set the right agenda for the nation to be united with message of hope and unity.
The man of God stated that the onus lies on all to cease discrediting leaders – political, religious and traditional – in the name of politics.
He noted that the media had provided valuable information on economic, social and political issues to assist the public make informed decisions, thereby contributing to the development and sustainability of democracy in Ghana.
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson