Pentecost Church Leader Warns EC To Uphold Democratic Integrity

The Obuasi Area Head of the Church of Pentecost Prophet David Kankam Beditor has charged the electoral commission to uphold the country’s democratic process, as the nation prepares for the 2024 elections.

Speaking at the launch of the church’s ‘agent of peace campaign’ in Obuasi, Prophet Beditor said the country has always been a beacon of democracy in Africa hence need to protect its enviable track record.

“We have held successful elections since 1992, with various political parties including the electoral commission distinguishing themselves so well over the years but this election represents a test case especially for the electoral commission to prove their integrity and their worth”, he stated.

The ‘agent of peace’ campaign; a national campaign by the church is aimed at inspiring all citizens to seek peace before, during, and after the December 7 election.

The 2024 is a critical election in the history of the country as the two main political parties; the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress have all ruled the country for 16 years each. The two are however seeking to make history in this year’s election by becoming the first to rule for 20 years.

This, the Obuasi area Head of the church of Pentecost believes has become necessary for the church to lead in bringing all stakeholders together to become agents of peace before, during and after the December polls.

He seized the opportunity to admonish political actors to prioritize peace especially during their campaign platforms stressing that it was only through peace that the country can develop.

“Political leaders and supporters should not inflame tensions but use their platforms to preach peace, eschew violence and work hard to ensure peaceful elections “.

Stakeholder involvement

According to the Bidiem District Commander of the Ghana Police Service ASP Sebastian Yankyerah, ensuring a peaceful election is not only the responsibility of the electoral commission or the Police but a collective responsibility involving all stakeholders.

He again asked Ghanaians to be abreast with the electoral rules and be disciplined during the period leading to the elections, during elections and after the elections.

The Chief Executive of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly Honorable Elijah Adansi-Bonah on behalf of the government and as the chairman of the Municipal security council assured of a peaceful election.

He lauded the church of Pentecost for the initiative and admonished the various religious groupings to exercise their responsibilities of preaching peace during the election processes.

Various speakers including Rt. Reverend Baffour Asamoah-Agyei, the Methodist Bishop of the Obuasi Diocese, representative of traditional leaders and the deputy Chief Imam for Obuasi all admonished Ghanaians to prioritize peace before, during and after the elections.