By J. K. Nabary
Winneba (C/R), Nov 25, GNA -The Right Reverend Victor Atta-Baffoe, Bishop of the Cape Coast Anglican Diocese, has urged Ghanaians to soberly reflect on the importance of voting, understand who are on the ballot, their accomplishments, and potential, before they vote for them.
Rt. Rev Atta-Baffoe, made the remarks at the fourth session of the fourth Diocesan Synod of the Church at Winneba, held on the theme: “Working Towards a Vibrant and Transformative Diocese through Our Hope in Christ”, (Philippians 3:12-14).
He said, “We must unite in our shared commitment to peace and good governance.”
He said elections were fundamental pillars of the country’s democracy, a sacred opportunity for all and sundry to voice their hopes and dreams for the nation.
“However, this process must be carried out with the utmost respect for peace, law and order with institutions and stakeholders ensuring that this election is free from violence, intimidation and discord,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for Ghanaians to embrace dialogue and to ensure that the electoral process was transparent, fair and reflective of the people’s will.
“Our nation’s strength lies in our ability to uphold the values of peace and good governance, even in the most challenging times, we can together, build a future where democracy thrives, and our nation develops.”
He quoted Bishop, Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of TEC of USA, stating that “It is the obligation of the Christian to vote, and the Church’s responsibility to get souls to the polls.”
Rt Rev Atta-Baffoe reminded Christians that voting was not only a civic duty but also a means of living the Christian faith by contributing towards the well-being of the society.
“By participating in elections, we use our power to positively influence the nation through our collective decisions, embodying the call of the Gospel to care for one another.”
According to Rt. Rev Atta-Baffoe, voting goes beyond selecting a President and Parliamentarians, but the power to help shape policies that address the challenges of the entire nation.
He stated that there was the need to give thanks to God for the privilege of voting and never to take it for granted as voters approached their responsibility with care, knowing that their vote truly mattered.
On democracy and good governance, he stated that it was through voting that democracy would be safeguarded for power to be exercised responsibly, transparently and in the best interest of the people.
He said in respect of that “we must demand accountability, embrace the rule of law and protect the rights and freedom that define our democratic society.”
Rt. Rev Atta-Baffoe indicated that a nation where justice prevailed, where every citizen had the opportunity to thrive and where democracy grew stronger each passing day must be the concern of all.
On socio-ethical vices, he stated that the lack of it threatened the moral fabric of the nation as corruption, dishonesty, greed, discrimination and communal values eroded, undermining collective well-being and people progress.
“As people we must take personal responsibility by fostering a culture of integrity, respect and empathy, reject corruption in all forms, stand up against discrimination and inequality and promote fairness and justice,” he added.
GNA