By Mercy Darko
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Opare Kwakye, has entreated Ghanaians, especially Christian leaders, to channel their energies to intercede and pray for Ghana instead of making predictions on this year’s general election.
He said that as the nation prepares to go to the polls, there is the need to preach peace and harmony, stressing that the election is not a matter of do or die but an avenue for all to exercise their constitutional rights to elect a leader for Ghana.
He was confident that the nation would continue to enjoy peace before, during, and after the elections. Rt. Rev Dr. Opare Kwakye made these remarks when he commissioned and dedicated the refurbished mansion for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Accra Newtown in Accra. “I don’t think this is a matter of fire, killing, or death. It is a matter of electing a leader who will steer the affairs of the country. As a church, we are praying fervently for the nation, and I am confident that God will give it a peaceful election. Church leaders who go out to make prophetic declarations on the election should resist such acts.
Let the Church be a church that prays on behalf of the nation,” he added.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye also noted that Ghana has had successive peaceful elections, and therefore the December polls will not be an exception. He, however, indicated that the onus lies on stakeholders, especially the Electoral Commission, to diligently discharge their duties to ensure transparency and be truthful in the conduct of the elections to maintain peace.
While challenging Christians to continue to pray for the nation and eschew acts that will promote violence, Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye appealed to political parties to also ensure that their campaigns are devoid of hate speech.
“The beautiful thing is that since 1992, Ghana has had elections which have been peaceful and I know this year will not be an exception. Occasionally there are tensions, but I’m certain that Ghana will emerge victorious and protect their reputation as a peaceful country. What is important is for all stakeholders to do their work well. The Electoral Commission should conduct the elections with fairness,” he stated.
The three-bedroom mansion will serve as a home for the Associate Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Accra Newtown. Rt. Rev Opare Kwakye entreated the Church to properly maintain the building while calling on other congregations to emulate this gesture. “It is a sign of growth that after so many years, the church has managed to refurbish this building. I pray the church will continue to focus on the Lord to do more projects.
They should maintain the building so that they can be used for the purpose that it was built,” he added.
In a sermon themed “Christ, our example,” the Acting Chairperson of Ga Presbytery, Rev. Solomon Nii Mensah Adjei, said that during this period of Lent, it is important for Christians to embark on this journey to strengthen their faith in Christ.
He urged all not to give up in these challenging times but have hope in God.
