Recycled Electoral Tensions Threatening Our Peace – Rev Dr Opuni-Frimpong

The General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong has cautioned that, the current recycled electoral tension that is seen during elections is a threat to the peace and unity of this country.

According to him, elections in Ghana have been characterized with tensions, which often put people in a state of fear and panic, adding it is because they feel their lives are at stake and that anything untoward could happen during the elections.

This situation, he said, explains the reason why most citizens and other nationals make alternative arrangements for safety during general elections for the fear that the unknown could happen because of the political tension that arises.

“Most people in this country, including foreigners will either travel out of the country or consider a way of escape in case something should happen during an election. But this should not be the case. We should be able to have a relaxed atmosphere whenever we are embarking on an important exercise such as elections”, he stated.

Rev. Opuni-Frimpong made these remarks at an ordination service for twelve new ministers of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Asiakwa, in the Eastern Region of Ghana last Sunday on the theme ‘Fear Not’.

“Why should we always have special prayers for peace anytime there are elections in Ghana? Why should the good people of this country be put in a state of fear and panic whenever we have elections? All these happen as a result of the recycled electoral tensions we continue to see in this country. That is dangerous and it must stop……Until we stop political polarization of issues in this country, and become effective in our electoral system, we will continue to have tensions during elections. Unfortunately, these tensions are also visible in most of the political parties when they have internal elections to elect their leaders. It is about time we come together as a people to take measures to halt the tensions that always come with elections because it is posing a huge threat to the peace and future of this country,” he cautioned.

He however entreated Ghanaians, especially leaders of the various political parties to avoid electoral polarization and situations where elections become a ‘do-and-die’ affair, urging them to have transparent and effective elections.

Rev. Opuni-Frimpong stressed that churches should play their prophetic role effectively in helping to halt electoral tensions, leading the forefront crusades against actions that have the tendency to mar the future of this country.

“The church must not only be visible in prayer meetings, but in public advocacy, education and influence society for Christ. We are the watchmen and we must continue to remain neutral and facilitate peace, unity and development. However, being neutral does not mean we must be passive, but be actively involved in the everyday issues that affect the livelihoods of our people. The church is the hope of this country and we must inspire confidence in the people,” he told Peacefmonline.com.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev Prof. Emmanuel Martey therefore charged the new ministers of God to emulate the leadership style of Christ and serve their congregations and communities faithfully, admonishing them to remain humble, prayerful and develop an intimate relationship with God as they shepherd the flock God has given them.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana