Monetisation of elections in Ghana is 'worrying' - Opuni-Frimpong

The Chief Executive Officer of Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has described the monetisation of elections in the country as worrying.

According to him, if this phenomenon festers, people who lack integrity but have money would be chosen over those with competence "but don't have money to throw around for votes."

He said "At the end of the day, the good people we know who can lead us will be pushed aside for the highest bidder to take over. We need a good person that we all know can lead us, not people who have money to give."

Speaking at a symposium at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Mampong, Ashanti Region, Rev. Opuni-Frimpong added that leaders must win the confidence of voters with their love for the country, leadership qualities, and integrity, and not through manipulation and monetary inducements.

He further called for religious bodies to function as institutions of calm, especially as the country prepares for the December 7 general election this year.

"We must protect our people; religious bodies must get involved in the electoral process. Some of our churches don't appreciate the role they can play in this, but we must get involved in the whole electoral process. We must get involved in the peace of this land; it is good for the economy as well,” he added.

Rev. Opuni-Frimpong also pleaded with various stakeholders such as political parties, the EC, the police, and traditional leaders to effectively collaborate to ensure peaceful polls this year.

"We will by all means have issues, but we must always ensure we put Ghana first. Let's make sure we hold this country together," he added.

The former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana also urged politicians to be mindful of their utterances in order not to fuel the heat in the country.

The event, which took place on October 25, 2024, was organised by the Local Council of Churches, in collaboration with the Muslim Community and the Mampong Municipal Assembly, as part of efforts to sensitise the people ahead of the upcoming elections.

In attendance were the Mampong Municipal Coordinating Director, Mohammed Mumuni; the Chairman of the Christian Council, Mampong, Rev. Kwadwo Amoako-Wiredu; the Mampong Municipal Police Commander, ASP Ishmael Stanley Adjei; and the Deputy Returning Officer of the Electoral Commission at Mampong, Mark Agyapong Ababio.

The event was chaired by the Principal of the Akenten Appia-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong Campus, Prof. Dr. Isaac Abunyuwah.

ID/ ADG

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