Stoning Mahama 'despicable, shameful' – Catholic Bishops

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has described as “shameful and despicable” the recent pelting of President John Mahama’s convoy with stones by some critics in the Ashanti region.

Two people were arrested on Wednesday, June 29 by police in Ejisu following the stoning and hooting at Mr Mahama during his tours there.

A statement issued on Thursday, June 30, and signed by Most Rev Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Bishop of Konongo-Mampong and President of the GCBC, said the stoning of the president’s convoy was “shocking and disbelieving” and “we…wish to condemn this act in no uncertain terms”.

“The reports indicate that the convoy of the President was pelted with stones and other missiles as it made its way from Piase to Ejisu, leading to some of the people in the convoy sustaining injuries.

“We cannot fathom why a group of Ghanaians will attack the convoy of the President in this manner and wish to call on the perpetrators of this act to be ashamed of themselves, repent of their sins and seek forgiveness from God.

“This act is despicable and shameful not only because it dents our image as peaceful and tolerant people but particularly because it represents an attack on the sovereignty of the land whose symbol the President represents. Therefore, it ought to be condemned in no uncertain terms by all,” the Bishops said.

The added that: “We are pleased to learn that the Police have arrested some alleged perpetrators of this shameful act. We pray that all those involved and/or behind it will be arrested and brought to book sooner than later. The full rigours of the law must be applied in this instance while steps must be taken to deal with all people who visit violent attack on others in the name of politics”.