President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asked the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ghana to reconsider its decision to boycott the 2024 General Election on religious grounds. He emphasized the importance of every citizen’s right to vote, describing it as sacred.
Speaking at the Third Special Congregation of Valley View University in Accra, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the need for dialogue between faith and civic responsibility. The SDA Church has requested Parliament to amend the election date, currently set for Saturday, December 7.
General elections in Ghana are held on December 7 every four years. The SDA Church argues that this date often falls on a Saturday, which conflicts with their Sabbath observance. In 1996, many Adventists did not vote because the election was on a Saturday. The 2024 election will also be on a Saturday, and the Church is proactively petitioning for a change to prevent disenfranchisement of its members.
The Church claims that nearly one million Seventh-Day Adventist voters could be unable to vote if the date is not changed. In the 1996 elections, more than 95 percent of Adventist voters abstained from voting due to religious beliefs.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that it is within the constitutional rights of SDA Church members to participate in the electoral process. He urged the Church to find a way to balance religious and civic duties to ensure no eligible voter is left behind.
He stated, “Multi-party democracy is participatory. The Government is committed to involving all sections of society to ensure good governance and the rule of law.”
President Akufo-Addo was the Special Guest of Honor at the Third Special Congregation, where he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree for his contributions to public service, human rights, and development. He was recognized for his efforts in promoting peace in sub-Saharan Africa, regional stability, media freedom, and significant legal and foreign policy reforms in Ghana.
The citation from Valley View University praised him for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, justice, and democracy. In addition to President Akufo-Addo, the University also conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees on Mr. Thomas Svaniker, an automotive mogul, and Mr. Kwame Osei-Prempeh, a former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Both were honored for their contributions to humanity, justice, and good governance.
The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, attended the event, adding grace to the occasion.
The call from President Akufo-Addo to the SDA Church is a significant moment, emphasizing the need for practical solutions to ensure all citizens can exercise their right to vote. This dialogue between religious observance and civic duty highlights the broader challenge of balancing personal beliefs with national responsibilities. As the 2024 election approaches, the discussion around the election date will likely continue, with stakeholders seeking a resolution that respects both constitutional rights and religious practices.
Source: Ghana Web
