In a recent interview with the Daily Graphic, Rt Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, emphasized the need for Ghanaians to proactively question political parties about their economic transformation strategies in the face of the upcoming general election.
According to a report by Graphic Online, Dr Opare Kwakye highlighted the critical importance of the economy in this election, urging citizens not to wait passively for political narratives but to actively demand plans for economic improvement. “We should force the political parties to talk to us about what they can do differently to transform and improve the economy,” he said.
In his conversation, which also touched upon his New Year message to Ghanaians, national issues, and his vision for the church following his December induction as the 19th Moderator, Dr. Opare Kwakye expressed concern over the tension that election years typically bring to Ghana. He noted the anxiety caused by inflammatory political rhetoric and called for all stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission (EC), to work towards a peaceful election.
The Moderator stressed the EC’s responsibility to conduct a fair and transparent election, emphasizing that a level playing field is essential for the acceptance of election outcomes. He also acknowledged the significant role political parties play in maintaining peace.
Dr. Opare Kwakye further expressed his concerns regarding the monetization of Ghana’s democratic system. He warned of the potential dangers of illicit funding in politics, stating, “One wonders what would happen one day when drug barons sponsor some people or they themselves decide to run for political office.”
The Moderator praised the National Peace Council for its efforts in preventing election-related violence and called for support from civil society organisations in the upcoming elections.
Dr Opare Kwakye, elected as Moderator by the General Assembly of PCG on August 17, succeeded the Very Rev. Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante. In his induction message, he committed to fighting against the misuse of national resources.
