General News of Thursday, 2 June 2016
Source: Bright Dzakah | Onua FM
Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong
The General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong has made a clarion call on the Electoral Commission of Ghana to do all it can to be transparent as that is the only way Ghanaians, as well as the world, can trust it and the credibility of the 2016 general elections.
The former Asante Regional Chairperson of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana noted that high as the stakes look for the 2016 Presidential and parliamentary elections, it will only take the openness of Madam Charlotte Osei and her commission to avert any doubt that may lead to another marathon court battle.
“Let us do things, I mean the right things that will secure the future of our country and posterity; EC must be transparent. It is only transparency that will make the citizenry trust and support the 2016 elections,” Rev Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong told Bright Kwesi Asempa, the host of news and current affairs program Ghana Dadwen on Onua FM on Thursday.
His call appears to have added to previous calls from notable individuals, Civil Society Organizations and Religious bodies, including some political pressure groups, all of whom have expressed the same sentiment.
Not long ago, the Founder of Salt and Light Ministry, Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee made a similar call at a workshop in Kumasi where she called on the EC to work with all key political actors to build confidence in the electoral process, saying the EC must take urgent steps to resolve any disagreement over the electoral roll and the voter registration exercise ahead of the 2016 elections.
However, on his part, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana believes if the EC will humble itself and stop behaving as if a stiff-necked king, politicians can sign all the peace pacts in this world but that will not be enough to prevent disagreements that will lead to violence in this year’s election.
“I want to hear EC do an independent assessment of the current voters’ roll and come out with concrete steps and solutions in ensuring that we have a credible voter’s document devoid of doubt; this will rest every argument as soon as all parties are satisfied,” he told Bight Asempa.
He maintained that Ghanaians are gradually losing confidence in the EC, pointing out that credibility is key to success or otherwise of the 2016 elections.
“Let me say that every political leader who makes or signs a peace pact must be made to abide by it. It must reflect in their speeches such that their followers will also tow the same line as the flag bearers. Ghana should be peaceful and must remain peaceful after the elections,” Rev Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong lamented.
Minors and Foreigners on Register
On the issues of minors and foreigners on the country’s voter’s register, Rev Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong said it surprises him how the two largest political parties (NDC & NPP) are on each other’s throat with accusations when it was in fact they that are guilty.
“They have Christians as well as Muslims among them so I find it very difficult to believe that they will abandon their religious faith and value and engage on such practice. Asempa, people must bring their faith into what they do. These two parties (NDC & NPP) must ensure peace prevails and I want to hear especially the voice of Christians in those parties, I call on the Imams and Christian leaders to let their members know they cannot be using their faith to perpetrate wrongs,” he added.
The Reverend also called on Christian leaders not to be afraid of insults and name-calling and speak against wrongs in the society as well as in the political space.
He said when they (Clergy) speak, it should be taken as an advice from a father to his children. “We make corrections, we don’t create confusion when we speak on political issues, I won’t stop.”