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In addition to the overwhelming positive echoes from the entire African world, the Members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) have described the December 7 general elections as “generally successful”. Ghana’s Catholic Bishops Commend Electoral Commission, Urge Stakeholder Dialogue.

In their Monday, December 9 statement, the Catholic Bishops commend the West African nation’s Electoral Commission and call for “constant” stakeholder engagement in view of “building trust” in the country’s electoral processes.

“We commend the Electoral Commission for carrying out a generally successful election,” GCBC members say, and encourage the Commission “to continue building trust by upholding the highest standards of transparency and impartiality.”

Ghana’s Catholic Bishops call on “the custodians of the electoral process, to engage in constant dialogue with all stakeholders, particularly the political parties, civil society, and the electorate, to address any concerns and ensure the integrity of the results.”

“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,” they say in the two-page statement that their president, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi of Ghana’s Sunyani Catholic Diocese, signed.

Ghana’s Electoral Commission used provisional results to announce former president and opposition leader, John Dramani Mahama, as the winner of the December 7 presidential election with 56.55 percent of the votes cast, Reuters reported.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the ruling party’s presidential candidate, conceded defeat on December 8 in both the presidential and legislative elections, aiming to reduce tensions. The incumbent, President Nana Akufo-Addo, did not run due to term limits.

The commission reported that votes from 267 of the country’s 276 constituencies had been counted, with a voter turnout of 60.9 percent.

In their December 9 statement, Ghana’s Catholic Bishops appreciate the political parties’ participation in the electoral process and urge them to respect the rule of law and the outcome of the elections.

They remind members of political parties of the importance of unity in diversity, which they say can go a long way in shaping the country’s direction.

“Political competition should be a vehicle for promoting national progress, not division,” GCBC members say, and urge the newly elected political leaders “to prioritize the common good above partisan interests and to promote policies that address the challenges facing the most vulnerable among us, particularly the poor and marginalized.”

The just concluded elections, they say, “serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to work together, irrespective of our political affiliations, for the betterment of Ghana.”

For grievances, the Catholic Bishops in Ghana urge “democratic maturity”, ensuring that cases are addressed “through legal and peaceful means, without resorting to violence or intimidation.”

In their December 9 statement, Ghana’s Catholic Bishops recognized the role of the media. They said, “It is vital that the media serve as a forum for constructive dialogue, promoting peace, unity, and national cohesion.”

They caution media practitioners against “sensationalism, hate speech, and the spreading of misinformation, which can exacerbate division and unrest.”

GCBC members also call on Ghanaians to accept the election outcome, adding, “Democracy is not solely about winning or losing elections, but about building a society where all citizens can thrive in peace and dignity.”

“We encourage everyone to actively participate in nation-building beyond the election cycle, by holding elected leaders accountable and working towards the common good of all,” Ghana’s Catholic Bishops say, and urge “all Ghanaians to remain committed to the values of peace, justice, and solidarity.”

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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