Catholic Bishops Hail Ghanaians Election Period Comportment

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has expressed its admiration at the comportment and maturity with which Ghanaians conducted themselves during the Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on Wednesday December 7, 2016. 


A statement signed by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Philip Naameh applauds the responsible behaviour exhibited by Ghanaians which they say “surely resulted in one of the most peaceful and successful elections witnessed as a country, a feat that has made Ghana once again a brighter beacon of democracy in Africa and the world at large. 

"It is on the note of such remarkable success that we, the GCBC, congratulate the President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for emerging winner in the presidential elections," the bishops said. 

They also congratulated President Mahama for his role in ensuring peaceful elections. 

"With profound admiration, we also congratulate His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama for such display of matured statesmanship in conceding defeat to the President-elect,“Adding that, "We congratulate the Electoral Commission for living up to the task, and organizing a very credible, transparent, free and fair elections.”

“We likewise congratulate all other stakeholders such as the National Peace Council, Security Agencies, Judiciary, Civil Society Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, the Media and the International Observer Organizations and Communities for their invaluable contributions to the success of our elections." The statement said.

The bishops also made known their expectations of a smooth transition from the current government to the incoming one. 

"We look forward to a peaceful, smooth and transparent transfer of power to the incoming government, and we call on all the parties and institutions concerned to be committed in the transition process." 

They re-echoed Ghanaians observation that the outcome of the elections was a victory for all. 

"The chorus on the lips of many Ghanaians is that, ‘the outcome of the elections is a victory for Ghana and not just for any particular political party’," appealing for the rekindling of the spirit of patriotism in all Ghanaians. "Let us therefore rekindle the spirit of national unity and move Ghana our beloved country forward." 

The Conference condemned acts of post-election vandalism in some parts of the country, asking the perpetrators to desist from the act. 

"After such successful and peaceful elections, the GCBC calls on political party supporters who have gone about vandalizing national and private assets, and assaulting persons perceived as opponents, to desist from these acts of lawlessness." 

They charged the security agencies to deal with them. 

"We hereby call on the appropriate security agencies to enforce the laws of the land and ensure the safety of life and property of Ghanaians."

 "It is the prayer of the GCBC that Ghana will continue to enjoy the peace she has enjoyed over the years to make room for the growth and development of our country." 

The Conference sent a Christmas message to Ghanaians as the season approaches. "As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, we wish to take this opportunity to also wish all Ghanaians Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year full of God’s Blessings.”

“God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation greater and stronger." The statement concluded.


GBC