Catholic Bishops’ Conference urges stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has urged all stakeholders in this year’s elections to work together to ensure the elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace, fairness and mutual respect. 

It also entreated the electorate to exercise their 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,” it added.

This was contained in a communique signed by the President of the GCBC, Most Rev Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, on the theme: “Promoting peace, integrity and fairness in the upcoming elections.”

Dialogue  

It appealed to all political parties to conduct their campaigns with respect for democratic values and the dignity of all individuals, stressing that “political discourse should be rooted in constructive dialogue and a commitment to the common good.”

It, therefore, called on the parties to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and to respect the laws governing elections and political conduct. 

Transparency, fairness

The communique further urged the Electoral Commission to uphold its mandate of transparency and fairness.

“It is crucial that the commission ensures 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 also address any concerns regarding the electoral process promptly and transparently,” it said.

On the judiciary, it appealed to it to continue to uphold justice with fairness and impartiality, saying 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.”

It said that the judiciary’s role in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process could not be overstated.  

The communique also called on security personnel to perform their duties with professionalism and respect for human rights.

It said it was essential that the security services worked impartially and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, without bias or favouritism.  

Responsible journalism  

The communique also urged the media to practise responsible journalism by providing accurate, unbiased and balanced reportage.

“It is imperative that the media helps to foster a well-informed electorate and avoid sensationalism that may incite division or conflict,” it said.

It further advised the youth to let their voices be heard in the electoral process to help advance the country’s democracy.

It said they must also be responsible enough to resist manipulations to engage in any disruptive or violent behaviour from any quarters. 

On traditional and religious rulers, it entreated them to foster an environment of mutual respect, actively work towards reducing tension and be mediators of peace.

“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,” it said.  

It reiterated the resolve of the conference to do whatever “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”.