The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has commended the country’s Electoral Commission and stakeholders for what they describe as a “generally successful” electoral process during the December 7 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 9, and signed by their President, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi of the Sunyani Diocese, the Catholic Bishops praised the Electoral Commission for its efforts while emphasizing the need for ongoing engagement to build trust in Ghana’s electoral system.
“We commend the Electoral Commission for carrying out a generally successful election,” the bishops stated, adding, “We encourage the Commission to continue building trust by upholding the highest standards of transparency and impartiality.”
The GCBC also called for constant dialogue between the Electoral Commission and key stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and voters. They emphasized that such engagement is vital for addressing concerns and strengthening the integrity of electoral outcomes.
“We urge you also to uphold your commitment to fairness and work towards reducing any potential flaws in the system that could undermine public confidence in future elections,” the bishops added.
The Electoral Commission declared former President John Dramani Mahama, the opposition leader, as the winner of the presidential election with 56.55 percent of the votes.
The ruling party’s candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on December 8, acknowledging the outcome in both the presidential and legislative elections. President Nana Akufo-Addo, limited by term restrictions, did not seek re-election.
According to the Commission, provisional results from 267 of the 276 constituencies indicated a voter turnout of 60.9 percent.
The bishops expressed gratitude to political parties for their participation in the democratic process and urged them to respect the rule of law and the election results. They highlighted the importance of unity, stating, “Political competition should be a vehicle for promoting national progress, not division.”
The GCBC encouraged the newly elected leaders to prioritize the common good over partisan interests and to implement policies that address the challenges faced by Ghana’s most vulnerable populations, particularly the poor and marginalized.
“The just-concluded elections serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to work together, irrespective of our political affiliations, for the betterment of Ghana,” the bishops said.
For parties with grievances, the Catholic Bishops emphasized the importance of “democratic maturity,” urging all disputes to be resolved through legal and peaceful means, without resorting to violence or intimidation.
Recognizing the critical role of the media, the bishops urged journalists to serve as agents of constructive dialogue, promoting peace, unity, and national cohesion. They cautioned against sensationalism, hate speech, and spreading misinformation, warning that such actions could exacerbate divisions and unrest.
“The media must be a platform for fostering understanding and cooperation, not a tool for division,” they said.
The GCBC’s message underscored the need for collective action to advance Ghana’s development. They expressed optimism that the elections marked a positive step in the nation’s democratic journey and encouraged all citizens to work together for a brighter, unified future.
