The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has strongly condemned the violence and unrest that has erupted in the wake of the 2024 general elections. In a powerful statement, the Bishops expressed deep concern over the riots, looting, and acts of violence that have disrupted peace across various regions, resulting in the loss of lives, damage to property, and growing divisions among the population.
“These actions are unacceptable and go against the core values of peace, unity, and respect for life that we, as a nation, hold dear,” the Bishops stated.
Call for Immediate Cessation of Violence
The Bishops called for the immediate cessation of all violent acts and urged Ghanaians to uphold the peace that has long been a cornerstone of the country’s democratic processes. They emphasized that resorting to violence and destruction to express political disagreements undermines the democratic framework and harms society’s most vulnerable.
Responsible Leadership from Political Leaders
The Catholic Bishops placed particular responsibility on political party leaders to lead by example during this critical time. They urged leaders to condemn any unlawful actions taken by their supporters and to actively promote peace, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law.
“Your role as leaders goes beyond seeking power – it involves guiding your followers with wisdom, promoting peace, and ensuring the well-being of every Ghanaian,” the Bishops said.
Appeal to Security Agencies
The Bishops also addressed the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, urging them to remain vigilant, professional, and impartial in dealing with the ongoing unrest. They called for a decisive response to perpetrators of violence, emphasizing that justice must be served without favoritism toward any political affiliation.
“Justice must be served,” the Bishops stated, reinforcing the importance of fairness in maintaining national order and protecting citizens and property.
Invitation for National Unity
In closing, the Bishops appealed to religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the general public to unite in the effort to restore peace and cohesion. They called for dialogue, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to heal the nation and move forward as one people.
“May God bless Ghana with peace, harmony, and healing in the aftermath of these turbulent events,” the Bishops concluded.
Their message adds to the mounting calls for calm and responsible action, as Ghana seeks to overcome the aftermath of its contentious elections.
