Bryan Acheampong, Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to permit members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church to vote alongside security personnel and other special groups. This request aims to accommodate the religious practices of SDA members, who observe Saturday as their Sabbath.
Acheampong made this appeal during a recent interaction with the media, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and respect for religious diversity in Ghana’s electoral processes. He noted that the current voting schedule poses a challenge for SDA members, as it conflicts with their Sabbath observance.
“The Seventh-day Adventist community has always faced a dilemma during elections held on Saturdays. To ensure that they are not disenfranchised, I urge the Electoral Commission to allow them to vote on a different day, alongside security personnel and other special groups,” Acheampong stated.
The SDA Church, which has a significant following in Ghana, strictly observes the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. This observance prohibits its members from engaging in activities like voting on Saturdays. Acheampong’s proposal seeks to provide a practical solution that respects their religious beliefs while ensuring their participation in the democratic process.
The Electoral Commission currently has provisions for special voting, allowing security personnel, journalists, and election officials to cast their ballots ahead of the general public. Acheampong suggests extending this provision to include SDA members, thereby enabling them to vote without compromising their religious principles.
Religious leaders and civil society groups have welcomed the minister’s call, viewing it as a positive step toward promoting religious tolerance and inclusivity. Reverend Dr. Paul Boafo, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, commended Acheampong’s initiative. “Respecting the religious practices of all citizens is crucial in a diverse society like ours. This proposal will ensure that no group feels marginalized during the electoral process,” Boafo remarked.
However, the proposal has also sparked a debate on its feasibility and potential implications. Some critics argue that accommodating one religious group could set a precedent for other groups to seek similar considerations, complicating the electoral process. Others contend that the Electoral Commission should explore alternative solutions that do not disrupt the current voting schedule.
In response to the proposal, the Electoral Commission has acknowledged the concerns raised by SDA members and assured the public that it will review the suggestion. Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman of the EC, stated, “We are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote. We will carefully consider the minister’s proposal and explore viable options to address the concerns of the SDA community.”
The SDA Church in Ghana has expressed appreciation for the minister’s advocacy and is hopeful for a favorable outcome. Pastor Thomas Ocran, President of the Southern Ghana Union Conference of the SDA Church, said, “We are grateful for this recognition of our challenges and the efforts to find a solution. We look forward to working with the Electoral Commission to make this a reality.”
As Ghana prepares for its next elections, the discussion around special voting for SDA members highlights the broader issue of accommodating religious diversity in national processes. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for future electoral reforms aimed at ensuring inclusivity and equal participation for all citizens.
In conclusion, Minister Bryan Acheampong’s call for special voting provisions for SDA members underscores the importance of respecting religious practices in democratic processes. While the proposal presents logistical challenges, it also offers an opportunity to promote inclusivity and ensure that no voter is left behind due to their religious beliefs.
Source: GhanaWeb
