AFRICA/GHANA - Bishops: "The judiciary and the electoral commission must do their part so that the next elections take place in peace"

Accra (Agenzia Fides) - "The judiciary will ensure that the vote is fair and complete". This is what the Episcopal Conference of Ghana hopes in the message signed by its President, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi of Sunyani, in which it stresses the importance that the next general elections on 7 December take place in a peaceful climate and do not give rise to conflicts.
"In the event of electoral disputes, we trust that the judiciary will address them with the utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law.
Ghana is considered the most stable country in West Africa, but the result of the presidential vote has been contested on at least two occasions.
The first time was in 2012, when opposition leader Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) challenged the victory of incumbent President John Dramani Mahama. The Supreme Court of Ghana was tasked with hearing the case and eventually ruled in Mr. Mahama’s favor after months of deliberations.
In 2020, the situation reversed when former President John Dramani Mahama, now opposition leader, challenged the re-election of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. As in the 2012 case, the judiciary was called upon to resolve the dispute.
The Episcopal Conference also addressed the Electoral Commission, stating that “it is imperative that the Commission ensure that the electoral process is conducted impartially and in accordance with the law.” The media, according to the bishops, must also play their role by providing accurate, impartial and balanced information, avoiding sensationalism that risks inciting division or conflict. The media, say the bishops, should help promote a well-informed and peaceful electoral environment. The message goes on to call on young people not to fall into the trap of incitement to hatred and violence, and finally on traditional and religious leaders to promote national unity and help reduce tensions.
The 2024 elections are taking place in a precarious economic context for the country; due to the COVID pandemic, the disruption of grain supplies due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and insufficient monetary and fiscal discipline, Ghanaians are facing rising inflation. Finally, jihadist groups operating in neighboring countries are now threatening to extend their deadly operations to Ghana. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 10/9/2024)

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