The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to remain an unbiased umpire in order to restore confidence in the electoral system.
“We, therefore, urge the EC to conduct free, fair and transparent elections by paying attention to the concerns raised by citizens and some political parties on some of their reforms regarding the forthcoming elections, particularly, on the use of the indelible ink,” the Bishops said in a Lenten Pastoral Letter to Ghanaians on February 13, 2024.
The Pastoral Letter signed by the Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, President of the GCBC and Bishop of Sunyani Diocese, asked the security agencies to be on top of the situation by being tactful and practical to prevent electoral insecurity.
The Bishops added: “All political parties should, in turn, respect the independence of the EC and cooperate with it to achieve free, fair and transparent elections.”
They appealed to the incumbent government and the security agencies to provide the necessary and conducive environment devoid of fear, intimidation and hooliganism.
In the the three-page Pastoral Letter on the theme: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled with God” (2 Cor 5:20), the Bishops prayed that Ghanaians would “Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.”
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves …” (Rom 12:16-19),” they concluded.
