Ghana’s Catholic Bishops Urge Voters to Uphold Gospel Values in Elections
Ghana’s Catholic bishops have urged voters to embrace Gospel values ahead of the December 7 presidential elections, emphasizing peace and unity. Their Advent pastoral letter calls for the selection of candidates who serve the common good, particularly the marginalized, while warning against divisive politics and advocating for a responsible voting process. Amid concerns over potential post-election violence, bishops promote civic education as essential for a successful electoral outcome.
As Ghana approaches its presidential election on December 7, the Catholic bishops have called upon voters to align their electoral choices with Gospel values. In their recent Advent pastoral letter, the bishops emphasized the importance of selecting candidates who prioritize the welfare of all citizens, particularly the disadvantaged. With rising tensions and political campaigns permeating the atmosphere of the capital, Accra, the bishops encouraged the electorate to remain focused on peace, reconciliation, and unity amidst the electoral process. They urged voters not to succumb to divisive rhetoric and to promote dialogue and mutual respect.
In a context where post-election violence is a lingering concern, the bishops reminded the populace of their commitment to peace by stating, “Let us not be swayed by divisive rhetoric or empty promises” – Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The election race features thirteen candidates, prominently including Mahamudu Bawumia, the current vice president, and John Dramani Mahama, a former president, both of whom have significant political stakes. In an effort to mitigate tensions, political parties have recently signed a code of conduct, although fear of violence similar to that of previous elections remains prevalent among the citizens.
The bishops further stressed the necessity for Ghanaians to prioritize national interest above personal ambitions for a peaceful electoral outcome. They engaged local Catholic communities by inviting Electoral Commission representatives to educate citizens on the voting process, thus promoting informed participation in the upcoming elections. With over 40,000 polling stations designated for the elections, it is crucial for voters to ensure their engagement is effective and their votes counted.
The article discusses the urgent call from Ghana’s Catholic bishops for voters to apply Gospel values in the upcoming presidential elections. As Ghana experiences heightened electoral atmosphere marked by active campaigning and public discourse, the bishops press for accountability and peaceful participation among the electorate. Their letter addresses vital themes such as unity, peace, and the importance of supporting candidates who genuinely seek the welfare of marginalized groups, all amidst fears of possible electoral violence. Educating the populace on voting procedures is also part of their initiative, reinforcing the necessity of an informed citizenry.
In conclusion, the pastoral letter from Ghana’s Catholic bishops serves as a moral compass for voters in the approaching presidential elections. By advocating for Gospel values and urging citizens to prioritize the common good, they promote a civil and peaceful electoral atmosphere. The bishops’ guidance seeks to unify the electorate against divisive politics and address the critical issue of past electoral violence, emphasizing the importance of informed and engaged participation in the democratic process in Ghana.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
