The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has urged political parties to refrain from turning the upcoming 2024 general election into a religious battle.
The council expressed concern over the recent emergence of religious and sectarian messages being disseminated during political campaigns and religious gatherings.
In a statement released by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the GPCC, they noted that this year marks a significant moment in Ghana’s political history, as both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will feature presidential candidates from different faiths—Christian and Muslim, respectively.
The GPCC highlighted its awareness of the potential for tension and division that intertwining religion with politics could create, especially in a highly competitive election environment like the 2024 elections in Ghana. They cited examples from the West African sub-region, where religious and ethnic incitements have led to significant unrest and conflict.
“To avoid making this year’s general election a religious contest between Christian and Muslim presidential candidates, the GPCC has made this an unwritten policy,” the statement said. This policy has been communicated to all regional councils across Ghana. The GPCC represents over 300 member churches and para-church organizations, with an estimated membership exceeding 10 million, accounting for about one-third of the country’s population.
As a Christian ecumenical council, the GPCC advocates for peaceful coexistence and inclusivity among all Ghanaians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender, or social class. They emphasized that a national government should serve all citizens fairly, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
The council urged political parties to focus their campaigns on policies that address community needs, promote social equity, and ensure transparency and accountability in governance. “Our politics must foster an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued,” they stated. They further insisted that decisions should be made based on reason and the common good, rather than religious or ethnic identities.
The GPCC condemned the actions of certain parliamentary candidates and religious leaders who advocate for voting along religious lines, declaring such actions as “unacceptable and unhelpful.” They stressed that no presidential candidate is standing for election based on a religious ideology and that all political parties and independent candidates are contesting based on policies aimed at benefiting the nation and its citizens.
The council reiterated the need for campaign messages to focus on addressing the everyday needs of Ghanaians, businesses, and industries. They encouraged eligible voters to fulfill their civic responsibility by voting, guided by their conscience, trust, confidence, and the values they see in their chosen candidates.
In conclusion, the GPCC called for unity among Ghanaians to work toward a brighter and more equitable future, reflecting shared values of respect, integrity, and progress for both current and future generations.