The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference (GCBC) has called for national introspection and responsible leadership in the wake of recent electoral violence, the Ablekuma North rerun, and the suspension of the Chief Justice, warning that these developments pose serious risks to Ghana's democratic stability.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 22 July, and signed by Most Rev.
Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the GCBC, the Bishops expressed concern that if these matters are left unaddressed, they could erode the foundations of democracy and social cohesion. "True democracy transcends the periodic casting of votes," the statement said. "It embodies a just social order that respects the rule of law, upholds the intrinsic dignity of every human person, and guarantees citizens the right to participate meaningfully in shaping our national destiny." Referring specifically to the violence in the Ablekuma North Constituency during the recent rerun, the Bishops described the incident, which reportedly involved the brutalisation of civilians and journalists - as a "gross violation of human dignity" and a dangerous assault on democratic values.
They urged the State to initiate "prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations" into all reported incidents of violence and called on the government to implement recommendations from previous commissions of enquiry to ensure "lessons learned translate into meaningful institutional reforms." Reaffirming the Church's moral leadership, the Bishops reminded political actors that "elections are not a contest of might, but a platform for the exchange of ideas." They called on all political parties and their supporters to show restraint and prioritise national unity over partisan interests.
