Find ways to reduce electoral tension - Rev Frimpong-Manso tells EC

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to find ways to reduce the tension that characterises elections in the country.

According to the council, the future of Ghana depended heavily on the leadership of the EC, and that the country “expects a lot more from the commissioners and its electoral officers”.

The President of the GPCC, Rev Paul Yaw Frimpong-Manso, made the appeal when the leadership of EC, led by its Chairperson, Mrs Jean Mensa, paid a courtesy call on the Council as part of the commission’s ongoing nationwide stakeholders tour.

The tour, which began in May, forms part of the EC’s agenda to rally support from the various stakeholders as the commission plans to embark on its electoral activities towards the future .

The EC Chairperson was accompanied by her two deputies —Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Mr Samuel Tettey.

As part of the tour, the commission will pay courtesy calls on the former presidents and some traditional leaders in the country.

GPCC ready to assist

Rev Frimpong-Manso said the council was ready to throw its weight and support behind the EC, especially in the area of helping to educate the people about the electoral processes.

He said the council had access to over eight million Ghanaians, and that it would use its various platforms to help preach peace and also sensitise the people to the need to adhere to electoral activities.

Rev Frimpong-Manso, therefore, commended the EC Chairperson for undertaking the tour and urged her and the commissioners to continue their quest to deepen Ghana’s democracy through effective organisation of elections.

EC committed

The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensa, said the commission was ready to work within the remit of the law and not indulge in any illegalities that could pose danger to Ghana’s future.

She said since she and the other commissioner’s took over leadership at the EC, efforts had been made to put together solid reforms that would further strengthen the electoral management body.

Mrs Mensa said the EC would count on the partnership of GPCC and other religious bodies to educate Ghanaians on the various electoral processes and other election-related activities.

She, however, appealed to the council to use its voice to counter the mischief being perpetrated by some notable personalities and political parties when they “are aware of the facts”.

Mrs Mensa said the commission would, however, not keep quiet but would defend its image and integrity,and would be glad if bodies such as the GPCC would be ready to help educate the public on electoral issues.