President of the Catholic Bishops conference Bishop Osei Bonsu
The Catholic Bishops Conference has advised chiefs in the country to refrain from partisan politics as the December 7, polls draws closer.
According to the bishops, political declarations by traditional authorities is unhealthy for the office they occupy.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the Catholic Bishops Conference one week Plenary Assembly held in Tamale, the priests said “We entreat our kings and chiefs to protect the integrity of their stools and skins by refraining from meddling in partisan politics to the displeasure of their subjects as if to say that the party they associate with or endorse is representative of their subjects’ choice as well.
“Politicians and traditional leaders must work to foster peace and seek the integral development of Ghanaians rather than to divide them.”
The Bishops also condemned vote buying by politicians.
“Such practice is an insult to the intelligence and dignity of the unsuspecting voters. We call for a stop to such acts of vote buying and also entreat the electorate to desist from yielding to such needless enticements.
“Politicians should conduct themselves honorably and respect their opponents both in their utterances and actions.
"Politicians should realize that their political opponents are not their enemies; but neighbors who share different views,” the statement noted.
They also urged the electoral commission against complacency.
“The integrity and success of the forthcoming elections depend primarily on the Electoral Commission and we call on Ghanaians to repose trust and confidence in the work of the Electoral Commission throughout the period of elections.”
