Politicians asked to engage in constructive, healthy debates

Accra, Aug. 10, GNA - The Global Evangelical Church has appealed to flag bearers and parliamentary aspirants in the December elections to engage in constructive and healthy debates about what would advance the well-being of Ghanaians and leave the country united at the end of it all.

In a communiqu=E9 issued at the end of its 67th synod and read by the Reverend Prince Tefe, Synod Clerk, the Church said since politics was about the country's development and its growth, the aspirants would better serve the needs of the people if they engaged in discussions that would improve and enhance the standard of living of Ghanaians.

In this direction, the Church urged all politicians and their followers to refrain from acts of violence and buying of votes and allow the electorate to vote according to their conscience. "Since politics is not a warfare encounter, there must be gracious losers and humble winners for the advancement of the country's democracy," the communiqu=E9 said.

It further asked Christians to eschew negative tendencies and strive to preserve the peace, and ensure good governance while fully and peacefully participating in the December elections. Synod also asked the Christian community to pray earnestly for the success of the forthcoming election and the nation as a whole. Meanwhile, Right Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Gbordzoe, Moderator of the Church, has asked the competing parties to exercise restraint in thought, words and deeds to forestall conflict during the campaigns and the general elections.

Dr Gbordzoe said while there were bound to be differences in ideology, programmes and approach to campaigning, this should not degenerate into deep divisions, saying, "there is no need to divide the nation in the quest to lead her".

According to him a strong country cannot be built on the ashes of conflicts, brawls and divisions. In spite of differences, he said, there must always be the goodwill to harness all gifts and contributions toward building a democratic, progressive and prosperous Ghana.

Dr. Gbordzoe called on the media to focus on peace building in the performance of their constitutional duties of providing vital information to the public. They must also be fair and unbiased towards all political parties in their reportage of campaign messages. The Synod was on the theme: "Harnessing All Gifts for Accelerated Growth". 10 Aug. 08