In a bid to promote peace ahead of Ghana’s general elections in December 2024, the Abetifi Local Council of Churches (LCC), in collaboration with the Presbyterian University, Ghana (PUG), organized a prayer and peace talk on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
The event, held at the Ramseyer Chapel of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Abetifi, brought together participants from security agencies, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), political party leaders, and various stakeholders.
Elections: Leadership Through Service, Not Violence
The guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, a senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, reflected on the nation’s electoral history.
He commended Ghana for successfully transitioning power between governing and opposition parties on three occasions under the Fourth Republic. However, he raised concerns about incidents of electoral violence, including fatalities during both general and by-elections.
“Elections are about identifying leadership, and leadership is about service,” Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong emphasized. “Why should a search for leadership lead to the deaths of citizens who are the focus of leadership and development?” he questioned.
The Reverend enumerated factors contributing to electoral violence in Ghana’s eight elections under the Fourth Republic, citing cheating, ethnocentrism, monetization, manipulation, and majority dictatorship.
He highlighted the crucial role of the church and other religious bodies in promoting calm and advocacy during electoral periods. “Networking among ecumenical partners, including the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), the Office of the National Chief Imam, and the Ahmadiyya Movement, strengthens our ability to present a united religious front in matters of national interest,” he said.
Youth as Ambassadors of Peace
Addressing the youth, Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong cautioned them against being manipulated by politicians into acts of violence. He encouraged them to focus on contributing positively to national development.
Promoting Peace as a Cornerstone of Democracy
The Vice-Chancellor of Presbyterian University, Ghana and Peace Ambassador to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Prof. John Ofosu-Anim, also delivered an inspiring address.
He described elections as a celebration of democracy and an opportunity for citizens to choose leaders who shape the nation’s future. However, he noted that elections can also become a test of commitment to peace, unity, and stability.
Prof. Ofosu-Anim underscored the significance of peace during elections, stating, “Peace fosters a conducive environment for free and fair elections. Moreover, it ensures that every citizen can participate without fear of intimidation or violence, promoting respect for differing viewpoints and healthy dialogue.”
He further stressed that peace strengthens national unity and promotes sustainable development. “Instability drains national resources and distracts from pressing issues like education, healthcare, and economic growth. A peaceful election allows us to focus on policies and programmes that matter most to citizens,” he explained.
The Role of Media and Institutions
Prof. Ofosu-Anim emphasized the media’s responsibility to promote peace through accurate and fair reporting, while cautioning against sensationalism that could inflame tensions.
He advocated for strengthening institutions and legal frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.“Strong institutions build trust among citizens, encouraging respect for election outcomes even when they don’t align with personal preferences,” he noted.
Call to Action
Both speakers urged all Ghanaians to commit to peace, stressing that the true test of democracy lies in unity amidst diversity. “Together, let us choose peace, for it is the foundation upon which our democracy—and our future—will stand,” Prof. Ofosu-Anim concluded.
The event was a resounding call for stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure a peaceful election season, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.