Mahama urges clergy to show interest in elections
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Mahama, has called on the clergy to actively participate in the upcoming elections, emphasising their crucial role in ensuring a peaceful and transparent process.
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He said the clergy’s involvement would foster accountability, integrity and a sense of ownership to help prevent potential disputes and ensure a smooth electoral process.
"The clergy must get involved in the election process, including tallying the results, so that if there are any misunderstandings, you can show yours," Mr Mahama stressed during a meeting with clergymen at the De-Icon Event Centre in Accra yesterday.
As he seeks re-election, Mr Mahama has been engaging various groups to build alliances and promote unity.
He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, stating, "We are committed to peace, and I am a peaceful person, so we will do everything possible to ensure the process is peaceful."
Hundreds of Christian leaders gathered at the venue as the former President prepares for the upcoming election. Notable among them were Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah of the Royalhouse Chapel International, who delivered a sermon; Prophet Owusu Bempah of the Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Rev. Dr Stephen Wengam, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church, and Rev. Eastwood Anaba of the Fountain Gate Chapel, among others.
The event was a moment for collective prayer, seeking divine guidance and protection for Mr Mahama, his family and his campaign team.
The prayer topics highlighted the importance of divine intervention in Mr Mahama's journey. The first prayer point focused on divine protection and health, acknowledging the challenges that come with seeking public office.
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Rev. Owusu-Bempah, who said a special prayer for the former president, said God had given the country back to Mr Mahama.
He said God wanted Mr Mahama to take back the helm of affairs because of his pure heart.
Call for change
Making a case for a change of government, the former President cited a recent Afrobarometer survey which indicated that over 80 per cent of Ghanaians believed the country was headed in the wrong direction.
“Arrogance and impunity continue to be the order of the day. Systematic looting of state resources and rampant nepotism and cronyism have become a normal way of life,” he said.
He said there had been mismanagement of the economy, resulting in the worst economic and debt crisis.
“The impact on ordinary Ghanaians is devastating,” Mr Mahama said.
“Soaring living costs have plunged many into poverty, with countless businesses on the brink of collapse.
“Bank closures have left banking professionals jobless, while debt exchange haircuts have eroded incomes and savings of the middle-class and pensioners,” he added.
He said illegal mining driven by leadership greed threatened Ghana's natural resources and very survival, underscoring the need for urgent change.
Pledges
The former President pledged to introduce an annual national day of prayer and thanksgiving to bring together all faiths to express gratitude and seek divine guidance for the country.
“The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving will serve as a day of intercession, promoting national unity and cohesion, which are vital for our country's growth and development,” he said.
He also pledged to support churches’ ventures into revenue generating ventures to address financial challenges of Christians.
He said vital sectors of the economy such as the agricultural sector could provide opportunities for churches to invest in revenue generating businesses.
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“An NDC government will prioritise investments in agriculture and agribusiness, and we believe that just as the Church has a healthy partnership with the government in education and health, we can create space for the Church to invest in this priority area for the benefit of the Church and the nation,” he said.
Mr Mahama also promised to ensure that churches had a significant role in the management of schools that were established by them and ensure that churches chose the headteachers of those schools.
Touching on LGBTQ, Mr Mahama said his faith as a Christian did not support such sexual orientations.
“My faith does not permit same-sex marriages or relationships, nor does it endorse human-animal relations or gender changes. This is a fundamental belief that I hold, grounded in my faith,” he said.
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He said the current legal impasse created by the Akufo Addo-Bawumia administration on the "Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Act" passed by Parliament set a dangerous precedent for governance.
Solutions
He also touched on the NDC’s agenda to reset Ghana for shared growth and prosperity, focusing on economic recovery, job creation and anti-corruption measures as outlined in the party’s 2024 manifesto.
To address economic challenges, Mr Mahama proposed an urgent home-grown economic recovery programme to ensure fiscal prudence, debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability.
Additionally, he plans to hold a National Economic Dialogue to promote transparency and consensus building, if elected.
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Mr Mahama's vision for job creation includes the party’s flagship 24-hour Economy policy which, he said, would encourage businesses and public organisations to operate around the clock.
Participating businesses will receive tax incentives, financing support, cheaper electricity and security services to enhance competitiveness.
This policy, he said, would complement the 'Made in Ghana Agenda’ to stimulate demand for local goods.
To empower the youth and women, Mr Mahama touched on the National Apprenticeship Programme, saying it would provide free technical and vocational training, certification, start-up capital and equipment, while the Women's Development Bank would offer low-interest loans and financial services to support women-owned businesses.
Mr Mahama said the $10 billion 'Big Push' policy would drive rapid infrastructure development, while the Digital Jobs Initiative, a $3 billion investment, would create jobs through the One Million Coders Programme and ICT parks.