The Chairman of Prison Council and Bishop of Damongo Diocese, Most Reverend Peter Paul Angkyier has advised Ghanaians to give their mandate to politicians who can work to alleviate their plight and not those who will desperately be buying their votes.
He said it is unacceptable for people who are seeking to lead this country to begin their leadership journey with money influence instead of demonstrating their capabilities. Such politicians he said must not be voted into office.
Most Reverend Peter Paul expressed worry about the rate at which Ghanaian politicians in recent times engage in vote-buying saying “it does not speak well of our democracy”.
“I will never confirm anyone who is trying to buy vote, to use money to buy vote, that is not appropriate, that is the wrong way as a Christian. For me the end does not justify the means, use good means with dignity and everybody will see you deserve to be voted and the people will decide”, Most Reverend Peter Paul said.
The Damongo Diocese Bishop also called on political parties to conduct their campaigns in a modest manner and refrain from insults and personal attacks in order to have a peaceful election 2020.
According to him, peace is the foundation of a country’s development hence political parties and their followers must be decent in their language used, their approach and respect the dignity and feelings of others for peace to prevail.
He condemned acts of violence usually perpetrated by political party supporters and advised the general public to desist from engaging in violence during the December 7 elections.
He noted that it’s the responsibility of all Ghanaians to ensure a peaceful election 2020 by upholding peace before, during and after the election.
Most Reverend Peter Paul also urged politicians to conduct their campaigns in line with the various religious values as well as work for the good of all and not their own interests.
“For me peace is everything, I agree that we have different political aspirations but you know the church in its social teachings does not believe the fact that the end justify the means, so as a Christian and a Christian politician I will expect people to do their politicking respecting the religious values. If you want to do things, do things using the right strategies and right means”, he said.
He called on religious leaders and the entire citizenry to pray in order to avert any unforeseen circumstances in the upcoming December elections.
In a related development, Most Reverend Peter Paul has admonished people of savannah region to develop the habit of integrating settlers within their jurisdiction to enhance development. He noted that, the best way for an area to enjoy fast development is to take advantage of expertise from other dwellers who do not hail from the area.
He appealed to traditional rulers in the Savannah region to accept everyone in the region as one and desist from tribal discrimination.
Most Reverend Peter Paul was speaking to Starr News at Kong in the Sawla-Tuna-kalba District of the Savannah region during a durbar of chiefs in the Kong tradition area.
The durbar brought together all chiefs within the traditional area to deliberate on how to develop the Kong traditional area.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Jonas Biawurbi
