The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi has called on religious leaders to not allow people to exploit their different religions for their selfish interests.
He said this at the Third Annual National Catholic and Muslim Leaders Dialogue meeting held at the St. James Catholic Church Hall in Accra on the theme: Promoting Peace Before, During and After Elections: The Role of Religious Leaders.
Bishop Gyamfi noted that whenever religion is exploited, the religious tend to oppose what the faith teaches. “Right from the beginning, people have exploited religion, and when they do that we find the religions doing almost exactly opposite what their faith tells them to do. It tells them to seek peace but people exploit us and we go against this peace,” he said.
He said the aim of the Annual Dialogue Meeting initiated in 2022 is for Religious Leaders to identify practical ways to ensure religious tolerance and peace in Ghana, particularly during elections.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the spokesperson for the National Chief Imam said, the meeting at this time of the year is of unique significance as it coincides with the 2024 elections.
He noted that mistrust, hate speeches, threats of violence by political actors, and general disregard for authority among others have characterised the election year. He added that the meeting offers the opportunity to critically re-evaluate the political environment and the threat to peace.
He noted that peace is a common virtue for both religions- Christian and Islam. He made reference to Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God and called on Christians and Muslims alike to be instruments of peace.
Dr. Kwesi Jonah, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Democratic Governance in his Keynote Address, said religious leaders in Ghana wield significant influence due to the high percentage of Christian and Muslim followers who regard their teachings as central to their lives. This influence, he noted, positions religious leaders to play a key role in promoting peace during elections.
He said about ninety-two percent of the Ghanaian population belong to the Christian and Islamic faiths; this therefore places religious leaders in an advantaged position of influence.
“Before, during and after the election we should remember that we have a duty to serve as the moral conscience of society, discharge our social and political roles, and serve as role models for our political leaders. If we keep these responsibilities in mind, we can be rest assured that we can contribute to peaceful and credible elections.” He stressed
The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng appealed to the GCBC and the Office of the Chief Imam to organize more forums where the political party leaders and executives will participate in the dialogue.
He also called on leaders of the various political parties to be circumspect in their campaign messages and educate their followers on the need for peace by accepting the outcome of the 2024 elections.
Ms. Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) commended the GCBC and the Office of the Chief Imam for organising such fora. She said religious intolerance is one of the themes her outfit is working on this year.
She hinted that the NCCE is embarking on interfaith programmes that combat Religious Intolerance in communities.
“We have lived in peace, all faith for many years and have built a reputation as a people who are able to dwell together in peace so this election and beyond cannot be the time when suddenly we are emphasising our differences rather than what brings us together,” she reiterated.
