Focus on national issues, not religious rhetoric - Apostle Eric Nyamekye to politicians

The President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged political party leaders to refrain from religious rhetoric and focus on national and substantive issues in their electioneering. 

Consequently, he has advised political leaders to be mindful, circumspect and temperate in their utterances.

"To our political parties, please do not preach on religious matters. When you mount your political platforms, be focused on national issues, and do not drag us into any political battle.

We must hold our peace with both hands and ensure it is not compromised in any way," he said.

Apostle Nyamekye was speaking at a National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) consultative meeting with the leadership of the GPCC in Accra yesterday.

The GPCC President also advised church members to resist any attempt by political parties to buy their votes, adding that “monetisation in our politics should be abhorred, and members should ensure that political opponents are not enemies”.

Event

The engagement formed part of the NCCE’s series of stakeholder visits aimed at fostering a peaceful and transparent electoral process in 2024.

In attendance were officials from both the NCCE and the GPCC, including Bishop Dr Gordon Kisseih, Aps Immanuel Tetteh, Bishop Charles Agyinasare, Rev. Dr Francis Sey, and Bishop Ohene Aboagye, among others.

The meeting focused on collaborative strategies to educate citizens on their civic duties and promote peace throughout the election period. It also discussed several critical topics, including voter education, the prevention of electoral violence and the dangers of monetisation and religious polarisation in politics. 

Commitment

Apostle Nyamekye expressed the commitment to support the NCCE’s mission and pledged to use their platform to educate its members about responsible citizenship and peaceful participation in the upcoming elections.

 "The Church is a powerful voice, and we will use our influence to promote peace and civic responsibility and we will encourage our members to avoid divisive language, refrain from violence, and resist any form of vote buying. At the end of the day, it is Ghana that must win — not any political party,” the President of the GPCC stressed.

Religious intolerance

The Chairperson of the NCCE, Kathleen Addy, also urged religious leaders to desist from using their pulpits and platforms to endorse political candidates, emphasising the potential danger which could lead to societal division and intolerance.

She said the commission was committed to working collaboratively with faith-based organisations and other key stakeholders to maintain the peace and unity in the country.

Ms Addy stressed the need to engage influential institutions such as the GPCC in their campaign for a violence-free and fair electoral process adding that "The Church plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and guiding behaviour”.

"Our goal is to ensure that every citizen understands their rights and responsibilities during this crucial period, and we believe the GPCC is a vital partner in achieving this,” she said.

The NCCE chairperson said the commission was focused on addressing key concerns that threatened the country's democratic process, including the monetisation of politics, the use of intemperate language and the potential for election-related violence.

She thanked the leaders of the GPCC for offering their platforms to the commission to share messages of peace and unity.

Matters of Concern

Ms Addy announced that the commission was preparing to release "Matters of Concern" a survey which captured Ghanaians' desires, hopes, and expectations as they head to the polls.

The survey, the NCCE chairperson said, would inform civil society, political leaders and the public about the most pressing issues facing the electorate.

"As the elections approach, we are intensifying our efforts to ensure that political campaigns do not harm the peace and cordiality that have characterised our nation's history," she added.