Christians urged to pray for peaceful elections – Diocesan Bishop

The Right Reverend Kwaku Effah, the Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, has entreated Christians to constantly pray for the peace of the nation as the 2024 general election approaches.

He urged Christians not to be complacent but to continually pray for the nation's peace and seek God's face before, during, and after the polls to sustain the nation's peace.

The Diocesan Bishop encouraged the public to vote to elect truthful people to govern the nation with love and not to be swayed by monetary or selfish interests.

Rt. Rev. Effah was speaking at the 45th Annual Diocesan Synod of the Methodist Church of Ghana Sunyani Diocese in Sunyani.

The program, aimed at assessing the church's performance and considering the way forward, was themed 'Discipleship: Growing into Christian Maturity.'

Rt. Rev. Effah urged pastors not to use the pulpit to propagate the political philosophies and agendas of individuals or any political groups but to preach a message of non-violence to pave the way for peace and socioeconomic development.

"The country needs credible and committed people to work for the good of the citizenry," he said, reminding Ghanaians that the forthcoming election would not be the last. He urged the citizenry to freely exercise their democratic rights, as they have done since 1992, without any violence.

He appealed to the public to uphold their political rights and cast their votes devoid of hatred and bitterness, being mindful of their common heritage and destiny, and to create a peaceful and safer society that resists the temptation and dangers of inflammatory speeches.

Rt. Rev. Effah called on the media to provide a level playing field for all politicians and political parties by adhering to the ethics of the journalism profession to ensure the nation's peace and security without any act of provocation.

He urged the Electoral Commission to conduct free and fair elections to ensure that no politician received preferential treatment at the expense of others.

Rt. Rev. Effah asked the National Commission for Civic Education to intensify public education to make Ghanaians aware of their electoral and civic responsibilities.

The security agencies, particularly the Police Service, have a crucial role to play in maintaining law and order in this year's impending election, he added.

In attendance were Kwadwo Adjei Darko, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Sunyani West Municipality, Collins Offinam–Takyi, Tano South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), and Madam Justina Awo Banahene, Bono Regional Minister.