Deal decisively with troublemakers - Catholic Bishops urge security agencies

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has urged the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to decisively deal with all those involved in the violence and unrest following the 2024 general election.

It entreated the security agencies to treat those causing the mayhem as criminals, regardless of their party affiliations, in an effort to maintain law and order.

It said the security agencies must also act swiftly and fairly to protect citizens and property, stressing that “justice must be served!”

In a statement signed by its President, Most Rev Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the GCBC expressed concern over the violence and unrest that had erupted following the 2024 general election. 

Context

Reports of vandalism, looting and attempts to take over state facilities have occurred since last Monday, following the Saturday, December 7, 2024, elections.

Observers have linked some of the incidents to politics.

Addressing the media in Accra last Monday, the National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, advised the party’s faithful to desist from such acts, warning that non-political miscreants could take advantage to perpetrate crime.

Condemnation

“We condemn in the strongest terms the acts of violence, rioting and looting that have disrupted peace and stability in parts of our beloved country.

“This wave of unrest has led to the loss of lives, destruction of property and deepened divisions among our citizens. Such actions are unacceptable and go against the core values of peace, unity and respect for life that we, as a nation, hold dear,” the statement from the Bishops stated.

While calling for an immediate cessation of all violent activities, the Bishops urged the police and other security agencies to remain vigilant and professional.

Uphold peace

The statement urged all Ghanaians to uphold the peace that had been a hallmark of Ghana’s democratic processes.

It stated that “the use of violence, intimidation and destruction to express political disagreement not only undermines the principles of democracy but also destabilises our society, bringing harm to the most vulnerable among us.”

It called on all political party leaders to exercise responsible leadership at this critical time as it was crucial that they take a “stand against violence, clearly denounce any unlawful actions taken by your supporters and use your influence to restore calm and respect for the rule of law.”

“Your role as leaders goes beyond seeking power – it involves guiding your followers with wisdom, promoting peace and ensuring the well-being of every Ghanaian,” the statement stressed.

Challenging times

The GCBC also invited all religious leaders, civil society organisations and the general public to join in efforts to restore peace and national cohesion in these challenging times.

“It is only through dialogue, mutual respect and unity that we can overcome our differences and move forward as one people,” it observed.

It prayed that God would bless Ghana with peace, harmony and healing in the aftermath of these turbulent events.

“We remain hopeful that with commitment from all sectors of society, our nation will emerge stronger, united and more determined to uphold the common good for all Ghanaians,” it stated.