Professor Kingsley Nyarko, a Deputy Education Minister for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has appealed to the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church to reconsider its decision not to participate in the December polls that fall on a Saturday.
“The Sabbath, as a sacred day of rest and worship, holds profound significance for the Adventist community and I deeply respect and honor this fact,” he said, and emphasised the importance of balancing spiritual obligations with civic responsibilities.
Prof. Nyarko, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, said the country’s democratic process, much like its religious practices, were fundamental pillars of the society, and referenced Matthew 22:21 of the Holy Bible, where Jesus said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”.
He made the appeal at the Ohwimase SDA church in the Kwadaso Municipality in the Ashanti Region.
The forthcoming general election coincides with the Sabbath of the SDA Church.
The Adventist community has raised concerns about the timing of the poll and their participation in the electoral process.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the significance of the Sabbath for the Adventist community, recognising it as a sacred day of rest and worship and quoted the Holy Scriptures to underscore the importance of fulfilling duties to both God and the state.
Prof. Nyarko, therefore, urged the SDA Church to explore practical solutions that would enable members to exercise their right to vote without compromising their religious convictions.
He explained the historical and constitutional basis for the election date, adding that the date had varied in past elections, falling on different days of the week, and emphasised that there was no intention to deter or disenfranchise any group of citizens.
Emphasising on education, the Deputy Minister urged the youth to embrace life-long learning, particularly skills training to help better their future.
He commended the church for their unwavering support for him and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), pleading with them to vote for the NPP in the coming elections.
The Deputy Minister made a cash donation to support the church activities.
SOURCE: GNA