December polls: Akufo-Addo advises clergy against predictions

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the clergy to discourage members from making prophetic declarations about the outcome of the upcoming December 7 elections, urging restraint and respect throughout the electoral period.

According to the president, it is important for stakeholders, including politicians, political parties, and religious groups, to maintain civility in the run-up to, during, and after the December 7 elections.

Represented by the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, at the ‘Agent of Peace’ campaign organised by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) on Sunday, November 3, 2024, President Akufo-Addo underscored that while democracy extends beyond elections, genuine elections remain essential for a democratic society.

“Elections form the basis of democratic legitimacy and serve as a peaceful mechanism for the transfer of political power,” he remarked, urging political leaders and their supporters to conduct campaigns without provocative or abusive language.

The President emphasized the importance of respecting the electorate and cautioned against prematurely assuming victory before the ballot is cast.

“We must avoid the use of provocative and abusive language in our campaigning. Let us respect the electorate and not assume that one political party has already won the election when a single ballot is yet to be cast,” he said.

He further appealed to the clergy to restrain their fellows who are predicting election outcomes, a practice he noted could threaten national unity and respect for the democratic process.

“I call on all our revered members of the clergy also to put a check on those of their members who are going round and prophesying winners of an election that is yet to be held.”

In attendance at the peace campaign launch were the former President and NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, NPP vice presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Chairman of the GPCC, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and ministers from other ecumenical groups.