According to a report by My Joy Online on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has called on political parties to avoid turning the upcoming general election into a religious contest.
The council expressed concerns over increasing religious and sectarian rhetoric being used in campaign messages.
In a statement by its National Executive Council (NEC), the GPCC warned of the dangers that come with politicizing religion.
“We have observed with grave concern recent religious and sectarian campaign messages being advocated and promoted on political party platforms and at religious gatherings,” the statement read.
The GPCC pointed out that the 2024 election is unique as the two leading political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), are fielding candidates from different religious backgrounds.
The NDC’s candidate is a Christian, while the NPP’s candidate is Muslim.
While recognizing this dynamic, the GPCC cautioned that mixing religion with politics could lead to tensions, division, and conflict.
“The GPCC is deeply aware of the potential tensions, divisiveness, and conflicts religion in politics could evoke in a highly charged and keenly contested election such as the 2024 general election in Ghana.”
Drawing on experiences from other parts of West Africa and Africa, the GPCC highlighted the havoc that religious and ethnic incitement has caused.
The council stressed that it had decided not to endorse any religious narrative for this election and had communicated this decision to all its regional councils across the country.
The council, which represents over 300 churches and para-church organizations with an estimated 10 million members, reiterated the importance of inclusivity.
“As a Christian ecumenical council, we believe in peaceful coexistence and inclusivity for all persons in the country, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender, or social class.”
The GPCC emphasized that political campaigns should focus on addressing the needs of the people, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in governance.
“Our politics must foster an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued, and where decisions are made based on reason, evidence, and the common good,” the statement noted.
The council also condemned candidates and religious leaders pushing for votes along religious lines, calling such actions “unacceptable and unhelpful.”
The GPCC concluded by urging Ghanaians to vote responsibly and to prioritize candidates whose policies reflect shared values of respect, integrity, and progress.