2020 polls must record zero casualties – Catholic Bishops’ Conference

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the security agencies to provide the necessary and conducive environment devoid of fear, intimidation and hooliganism during the December elections.

In a 2020 Lenten Pastoral Letter signed by its President, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, who is also the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale said citizens would not risk their lives to vote, if they’re not sure of their safety at the polls.

“Every human life is sacrosanct and needs to be protected. It is the duty of all Ghanaians to work hard to uphold the sanctity of human life before, during and after the forthcoming elections,” it said.

It said the security agencies should, therefore, be on top of the situation by being tactful and practical to prevent electoral insecurity.

This comes on the heels of President Akufo-Addo’s assurance given to Ghanaians in relation to violence-free election.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has stated emphatically that the peace and stability of the nation which is being enjoyed by the Ghanaian people will be maintained in the aftermath of the 7th December general elections.

“…there will be no conflict after the December 7 general elections. The good sense of the Ghanaian people, which has preserved the peace and stability of the 4th Republic for the last 27 years, will continue to prevail, and they will not permit any poor, desperate loser to plunge this country into chaos. Ghana is bigger than the ambitions of any of us,” he was addressing students of the Ho Technical university during the 20th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Tertiary Students Confederation (TESCON), on Tuesday, 18th February, 2020.

Vote buying

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has asked Ghanaians to eschew the vote buying syndrome and vote according to their conscience.

It added:“We need to exercise our franchise conscientiously during the elections to secure a better country for tomorrow.”

The Catholic Bishops also noted that free, fair and transparent elections on December 7, 2020, is non-negotiable adding “All the political parties are to be given a fair and a level playing field to contest the upcoming elections.”

The letter by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference was on the theme “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled with God” (2 Cor 5:20).