The Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Church Ghana, Techiman Circuit and Bishop elect for the Wenchi Diocese, Very Rev. Godson Amankwah-Amponsah, has cautioned politicians to be wary of hate speeches before, during and after the upcoming polls.
The Bishop elect, urged politicians, especially the two main political parties, the governing New Parotitic Party and the National Democratic Congress, to focus on selling their vision of digitalization and 24-hour economy. The warning comes as the country prepares for upcoming elections, with the goal of promoting a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
Very Rev. Godson Amankwah-Amponsah, stressed on the importance of politicians using their platforms to inspire hope and unity among the people. He explained that, hate speeches only serve to divide and hinder the progress of the nation and therefore it is crucial for the leading political parties in Ghana to desist from making any comment that may incite their followers to engage in any form of violence.
“We are in a very critical period, we will soon go to the polls, the two major political parties in the country are all eager to win this year’s elections as one wants to break the 8, the other wants to regain power after losing it.
“They all of their reasons for wanting to win the elections but we will urge them to be wary of hate speeches, the Flagbearers of these political parties, Dr. Bawumia and John Mahama including their running mates, Napo and Jean Mensah, should bear in mind that they are all role models in the country.
“So if they don’t measure their utterance, they may end up inciting others to engage in violence, as we approach the elections, we will plead with you to demonstrate good leadership and statesmanship, your utterances must be able to calm down the tempers of your followers.
“All we are asking of you is to focus on selling your vision to the public, the vision of 24 hour economy should be well explained so as that of digitalization and I believe if the masses aligns with your vision, they will gladly vote for you.” He said.
He also urged opinion leaders and stakeholders to use their platforms to propagate the need for a peaceful electoral process and prayed to supporters of all political parties in the country to tolerate the views of others.
Very Rev. Godson Amankwah-Amponsah further disclosed that, should politicians refrain from hate speeches and their supporters tolerate the views of their opponents, then the 2024 elections will go down in history as one of the peaceful elections in the country.
“Supporters of these political parties must also be mindful of their behaviors, they should tolerate the views of others and desist of any action that may result in violence. The Clergy, Imams and Traditional leaders must ensure that they preach peace to their people whenever they get the opportunity and by so doing, this year’s elections will go down as one of the peaceful elections in the country.” He said
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
