By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), Dec 7, GNA – Members of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Tarkwa Central in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Constituency, held a short service on Saturday, the election day, to enable them to participate in the general elections.
The decision was made after the announcements of the December 7 election day by the Electoral Commission (EC) that fall on Saturday, which coincided with the SDA Sabbath day.
The SDA Church initially appealed to the EC to reconsider the election date, but their request was denied, so they decided not to do the whole day Sabbath service today.
When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited the SDA church, Tarkwa central around 0840 hours, leaders of the church were preparing to begin the day’s service earlier than they used to start.
Some members who were trooping in told the GNA that they had already cast their ballots before coming to church while, others said they would vote after service at 12:30 noon.
Mr Isaac Baah, a member also added that despite the EC’s stand, the church had encouraged them to make individual decision about how to observe the Sabbath, while still participating in the elections.
He said the SDA church’s doctrine emphasized the importance of respecting the Sabbath, but it also values civic responsibilities and participation in the democratic process.
GNA