Archbishop N. Duncan-Williams Speaks

Statement by His Grace Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Founder and Overseer of Christian Action Faith Ministries International on the political situation in the country

Prior to the election, I had a burden to call on the nation to pray for peaceful elections. As a result I called together some men of God and for the past 10 weeks we have been engaging in prayer sessions, which have been broadcast on television.

These prayer sessions and many others in homes, churches and all over the nation have contributed immensely towards ensuring generally peaceful elections.

That notwithstanding, there have been concerns raised about the rising tension across the country as a result of the disagreement over some of the results and allegations of electoral malpractices.

In the heat of the political stalemate, some men of God have been engaged in behind-the-scenes consultations and counseling with the stakeholders, which has averted what would rather have been a very chaotic situation.

Clearly, the church has contributed its quota towards ensuring that the elections do not end up tearing the nation apart.

It is often said that in an election such as ours, there can only be one winner, but actually we can have two winners. The candidate with the least number of votes can win by accepting the results graciously; the candidate with the most votes can win by ushering Ghana into a new era of peace, inclusiveness and stability.

I am reminded of the two women in Israel who brought the living child to King Solomon with each one of them claiming ownership of the child. The King said let the child be divided into two and shared among them since nobody is willing to give up or to make concessions to save the child. It was the woman who conceded in order to save the child who won the child and a place in history.

So conceding does not necessarily mean that the one conceding is the vanquished. Conceding in a reasonable time frame to save the nation violent conflicts is a mark of maturity and the desire to foster an atmosphere of peace.

If a concession has to be made in order to save Ghana, remember this example and let your God be your guide. The nation’s destiny, future and history are at stake.

For the sake of the nation and posterity, I appeal to both parties to respect the Electoral Commission’s decision even if they personally disagree with the outcome. Each party should be reminded that the destiny of this nation is bigger than personal destiny and political ambitions.

Let peace, therefore, reign from the East to the West, from the North to the South and within every border of this nation.

Let every mother, father, child, grandfather and grandmother of this nation be safe and secure.

Let the leadership, rank and file of all the security agencies be in tact.

I join other men and women of God all over this country declaring that evil will not prevail over our beloved Ghana. Evil cannot prevail when we pray. I call on the nation to join us in fasting and praying for Ghana. I call on the leaders, rank and file of both the NDC and NPP to put God and our nation above politics, parties and personal interests.

God bless Ghana—our motherland. God make us great and strong.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ so let it be written and let it be done. Amen