2024 Elections: SDA rejects President Akufo-Addo's appeal over voting date

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's appeal for the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church to reconsider its decision not to vote on December 7 has been firmly rebuffed, with the church standing by its religious convictions.

A statement issued by the SDA Church emphasized that while voting is a civic duty for all Ghanaians, December 7, which falls on a Saturday, conflicts with their observance of the Sabbath.

The church has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) and other stakeholders to consider rescheduling the election date.

“The Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ghana recognizes the civic responsibility of its members to participate in the democratic process, including exercising their right to vote. However, we wish to reiterate our longstanding conviction that voting on Saturday, the Sabbath of the Lord, is not in alignment with our religious beliefs," the statement said.

The church elaborated that the Sabbath, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, is a day dedicated to worship, rest, and communion with God. Engaging in non-religious activities, including voting, contradicts their understanding of the Sabbath's sanctity.

“The Sabbath holds deep spiritual significance for Adventists. Our long-standing conviction and teaching have been that members should not engage in non-religious activities, including voting. Voting on the Sabbath is therefore contrary to our understanding of its sanctity,” the statement continued.

The SDA Church leadership has consistently advocated changing the election date to accommodate members' religious observance, believing that such a move would allow all citizens, regardless of faith, to participate fully in the democratic process.

“The leadership of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church has consistently advocated for an election date change to accommodate members’ religious observance. The Church’s efforts were based on our belief that moving the election day away from Saturday would allow all citizens, regardless of faith, to participate fully in the democratic process," the statement emphasized.

While respecting the right of its members to vote, the church urged them to ensure their decisions are consistent with Adventist beliefs regarding the sanctity of the Sabbath.

“While we respect the diversity of opinions within our membership, this statement, issued by the Southern Ghana Union Conference and Northern Ghana Union Conference, is the Church in Ghana’s official position on Sabbath observance and voting on Saturday, December 7, 2024,” the statement added.