The Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary, a Catholic fraternal organization has called on Political Parties in Ghana to embark on a respectful and constructive campaigning that is focused on issues and on unity rather than divisiveness.
“Let Ghana’s welfare supersede personal ambitions. Manage your foot soldiers and ensure their activities are in sync with your aspirations to maintain the peace and stability of Ghana,” the group said in a Statement issued on September 12, 2024.
Signed by M/G William Edmund Okang Adjei, Supreme Subordinate Commandery President and NS Victoria Anyan, Supreme Subordinate Ladies’ Auxiliary President, the statement indicated that “We look forward to all Political Parties signing an agreement to maintain peace in Ghana before, during and after the elections.”
“We expect that on signing this peace pact, all Political Parties would adhere to it and take steps to ensure that there is no deviation,” it added.
Read the full text of the Statement below
STATEMENT FROM THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN INTERNATIONAL AND LADIES’ AUXILIARY-GHANA ON THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTIONS
The Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary is a Catholic fraternal organization which aims at protecting the dignity of mankind and fostering peace and unity among all people. We are a fraternal organization which stands for God and Country (Pro Deo Et Patria).
We recognize the significance of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Ghana and are worried about the extent to which the stakes have been so high. Even before the elections, there are allegations of attempts to rig the elections, thus, heightening tension in the Country. Such tensions could if not addressed in good time, exacerbate the already polarized state of the nation.
It is in the light of the above that we wholeheartedly support the communique issued by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) on Sunday, September 8, 2024. We echo the appeal of the Catholic Bishops to every sector of Society; from political parties to youth, from media to the Electoral Commission, to uphold their civic responsibility in ensuring a peaceful, free and fair electoral process. We respect the fundamental human rights of all party foot-soldiers and urge them to be circumspect in their dealings and actions. We must all remember that Ghana is our only Country, respected by the whole world for her peace and hospitability, and do our utmost to preserve that which we are recognized and praised for.
To Political Parties: we call for respectful and constructive campaigning that is focused on issues and on unity rather than divisiveness. Let Ghana’s welfare supersede personal ambitions. Manage your foot soldiers and ensure their activities are in sync with your aspirations to maintain the peace and stability of Ghana. We look forward to all Political Parties signing an agreement to maintain peace in Ghana before, during and after the elections. We expect that on signing this peace pact, all Political Parties would adhere to it and take steps to ensure that there is no deviation.
To the Electoral Commission: your role is pivotal in ensuring transparent, free and fair elections. You must build the trust of every Political Party and for that matter, every Ghanaian by remaining impartial, and maintaining an open communication channel. You must safeguard that trust.
To the Media: your influence on public perception and ability to sway their thinking is significant. We urge responsible journalism; journalism that is based on available facts and not on hearsay; journalism that is balanced and free from sensationalism. You hold the key to promoting the peace of the Country by reporting correctly and to the appropriate quarters.
To the Judiciary: we join the Bishops in calling for fairness and justice in addressing electoral disputes. Your impartiality and objectivity will be crucial to maintaining public confidence.
To the Security Services: your professionalism is essential in ensuring public order and protecting voters. We urge you to act impartially, always upholding the rights and safety of the citizenry.
To the Youth: you are the future of Ghana. We encourage you to engage in the electoral process with integrity, avoiding any form of violence or disruption. Your positive participation is vital for our democracy.
To the Traditional and Religious Leaders: your role in promoting peace and unity cannot be overstated. We call on you to foster reconciliation and harmony in your communities during and after this critical period.
Finally, to the Ghanaian people, we stand with the GCBC in urging you to vote responsibly. Do not fail or refuse to vote. Make yourself available and exercise your fundamental right to be part of the choice of the leadership of our beloved Country. Your vote will shape the future of our Country and it is crucial that you do so with careful thought and consideration for a peaceful, just and prosperous Ghana.
The Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary remain committed to supporting every effort that upholds peace, fairness, and integrity in the 2024 elections. Together, let us ensure a peaceful and successful election.
God bless our homeland, Ghana and make her great and strong.
M/G William Edmund Okang Adjei
Supreme Subordinate Commandery President
KSJI-Ghana
NS Victoria Anyan
Supreme Subordinate Ladies’ Auxiliary President
KSJI-Ghana
September 12, 2024
