President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged the clergy to restrain members who continue to prophesy the outcomes of the December 7 elections, advising for restraint and respect throughout the electoral period.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, at the “Agent of Peace” Campaign organized by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) on Sunday, November 3, 2024, the president emphasized the need for decorum during this critical period.
President Akufo-Addo further cautioned political parties and religious leaders to avoid divisive rhetoric and premature declarations of victory, underscoring the importance of unity as Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections.
Highlighting Ghana’s achievements as a democratic nation, he stressed the significance of respectful political discourse and called for an end to inflammatory language that could raise tensions and mislead voters.
“Indeed, democracy requires more than elections, but the country cannot be democratic without holding genuine elections to elect its leaders. Elections are the basis for democratic legitimacy and they are a mechanism to peacefully resolve the transfer of political power.
“We in Ghana have grown and must learn the lessons of having peaceful elections. We must avoid the use of provocative and abusive language in our campaigning. Let us respect the electorate and not assume that one political party has already won the election when a single ballot is yet to be cast.
“I call on all our revered members of the clergy also to put a check on those of their members who are going round and prophesying winners of an election which is yet to be held,” he stated.
Content by: William Narh
