Reconstitute framework for appointment of EC officials — Catholic Bishops
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called for the reconstitution of the framework for the appointment of Electoral Commissioners to ensure true independence and national reconciliation.
It also suggested the passage of new regulations on campaign financing with independent audits.
The President of the GCBC, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, who made the call, also suggested reforms on electoral security deployment protocols, as well as creating an
Independent Commission for Democratic Integrity with prosecutorial powers.
He was speaking during a courtesy call by members of the GCBC on President John Dramani Mahama last Friday to discuss issues of national interest.
Forum
He also recommended the establishment of a Biennial Interparty Forum led by faith-based and traditional authorities.
Most Rev. Gyamfi stressed the need to institutionalise a Civil Service Charter to protect public servants.
“As we reflect on these developments, it becomes imperative for both Church and State to collaborate more closely in fostering civic education and engagement.
“By reinforcing the values of participatory governance and accountability, we can work towards revitalising public trust and ensuring that democracy serves the prosperity of all Ghanaians,” he stressed.
Service
He emphasised the need to build a politics that served not itself, but the people.
“A politics that is not about the survival of the fittest, but the flourishing of the weakest. A politics where governance is not performance, but a moral vocation,” he stated.
Most Rev Gyamfi said the Church would continue to speak and act whenever necessary because of its conviction about the inviolability of the freedoms of the person.
He, however, said the successes chalked up over the years notwithstanding, the country’s political and economic evolution was still underwhelming.
Trust
Most Rev. Gyamfi pointed out that trust in democratic institutions was waning.
“Electoral participation, while still robust by global standards, has declined—from 85 per cent in 2016 to 60.9 per cent in 2024.
“This downturn in electoral participation underscores a growing sense of disengagement among the electorate, particularly among the youth,” he observed.
He pointed out that the reduced turnout reflected broader concerns about the efficacy of democratic processes in addressing pressing national issues.
Unity challenges
Most Rev. Gyamfi noted that political polarisation had intensified, deepening mistrust between ethnic, regional and partisan lines.
“Electoral Violence persists in our democracy.
Even though Ghana has successfully conducted nine elections between 1992 and 2024 and peacefully transferred power from one government to the other on four occasions in this Fourth Republic, electoral violence has been an enduring feature across all general elections and most by-elections held in the country.
Response
In his response, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to building a legacy of effective governance that, no future administration would be able to undo.
He stressed his determination to revive Ghana’s economy and strengthen democratic principles through decisive and principled leadership.
“With effective leadership, we can turn this economy around and create a better life for our people, and that is what I’m committed to,” Mr Mahama said.
