As Ghana approaches its presidential election on December 7, Catholic bishops encourage voters to engage responsibly, guided by Gospel values. In their Advent letter, they stress the importance of selecting candidates who prioritize the welfare of all, particularly the marginalized. Amid rising tensions, the bishops advocate for peace, dialogue, and national unity while promoting voter education to ensure informed participation in the electoral process.
As the presidential election approaches in Ghana, Catholic bishops have issued a call for voters to uphold Gospel values during the electoral process. In their Advent pastoral letter, they emphasized the importance of selecting candidates focused on the welfare of all citizens, particularly the marginalized. Their message aims to foster a climate of peaceful dialogue and unity amidst rising tensions and political divisiveness surrounding the elections set for December 7.
The letter, released on November 30, highlights the ongoing campaigning in Accra, where numerous candidate materials decorate the city. Ghanaians will vote for a new president and parliamentary members, with several prominent candidates contesting their positions. Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, urged the electorate to avoid succumbing to divisive rhetoric and instead focus on candidates committed to the common good.
The bishops also stressed the need for credible electoral practices, indicating that post-election violence is a significant concern due to past experiences. Although candidates have pledged to adhere to a code of conduct meant to maintain peace, many residents express unease about potential unrest following the election results. The bishops advocated for Ghanaians to prioritize national interests over individual political ambitions to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
To encourage informed voting, the Diocese of Accra has collaborated with the Electoral Commission to educate citizens about the voting process, aiming to enhance voter participation. With elections set to occur at nearly 41,000 polling stations, the diocese seeks to mitigate the risk of invalid ballots and ensure a smooth electoral experience.
In summary, as the December elections approach, Ghana’s Catholic bishops are calling for a responsible and values-driven approach among voters. Their pastoral message serves as a reminder of the need for peace, unity, and a collective commitment to the well-being of all citizens during this critical time in Ghana’s democratic process.
The context of this article centers on the upcoming presidential elections in Ghana, specifically the call by Catholic bishops for voters to adhere to Gospel values. With the elections scheduled for December 7, the Bishops’ Conference has emphasized the significance of participating in the electoral process responsibly, especially given past incidents of political violence. This year, political campaigns are underway, featuring notable candidates, highlighting an atmosphere of heightened political tension. It follows the backdrop of previous elections in 2020 that witnessed violence, fostering apprehension within the public about the general electoral climate and the potential for unrest post-elections.
In conclusion, the call from Ghana’s Catholic bishops for voters to embrace Gospel values amidst rising election tensions underscores the importance of peace, unity, and responsibility in the democratic process. Highlighting the welfare of all citizens, particularly the vulnerable, the bishops urge Ghanaians to prioritize national interests over personal agendas. Their message seeks to ensure that the upcoming elections are marked by respect, dialogue, and an informed electorate, hoping to avoid the pitfalls of past election-related violence.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
