AFRICA/GHANA - Presidential election: Bishops hope for a peaceful outcome

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 elections bishops peace

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Accra (Agenzia Fides) - "If any party were to stand out and say I don’t want peace, then, they do not deserve to be voted for in the country, so it is their own interest that they put their signatures and accept this peace pact," said the President of the Ghanaian Bishops' Conference and Bishop of Sunyani, Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi, on the eve of the signing of the "Presidential Election Peace Pact" for the presidential elections on December 7. The peace pact for the presidential elections was already signed on November 28 by the 12 presidential candidates. With this agreement, the candidates commit themselves to maintaining peace and stability during and after the elections and to conduct their campaigns in a way that preserves national unity and stability. Former President John Mahama, candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has also signed the pact, despite his previous reservations about the initiative. Key government figures such as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (who cannot run as he is at the end of his second term), the Inspector General of Police, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the National Security Coordinator and the Attorney General have also signed. The peace pact was launched by the National Peace Council (NPC) and the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG). The former is a body established by a national law whose council consists of thirteen figures appointed by the president, including the Bishop of Ho, Emmanuel Kofi Fianu. Its responsibilities include conflict prevention and resolution. IDEG is a private body established in Ghana in 2000 to help “create a just and free society.” Meanwhile, in their Advent message, the Ghanaian bishops are calling on the country's Catholics to "participate responsibly in the electoral process, to be guided by the values of the Gospel and to participate in the elections not only as voters but also as active citizens who contribute to the common good of the nation." The bishops are also calling on people "not to be influenced by divisive rhetoric or empty promises, but to support candidates who work for the good of all, especially the poor, marginalized and vulnerable." "We are vigilant to ensure that the elections are free, fair and peaceful. In everything we do during this election period, we should ensure that we put our beloved country Ghana above our political interests and ambitions so that there is true peace in Ghana before, during and after the elections," they conclude.
Economic issues are at the heart of this year's election campaign in a country where inflation remains high after peaking at 54.1 percent in 2022. The two main candidates are the current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, candidate of the New Patriotic Party, and John Mahama of the NDC. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 4/12/2024)