President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church to reconsider its decision not to participate in the elections owing to religious reasons.
The forthcoming general elections are set for December 7, 2024. However, this day coincides with the Sabbath of the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church, raising worries within the Adventist community concerning their involvement in the voting process.
During his acceptance address at Valley View University, where he received a Doctorate Degree, President Akufo-Addo urged the Church to reconsider its position.
“Today, as I stand before this distinguished assembly, I wish to address a matter of great importance to our nation – the upcoming general elections scheduled for 7th December 2024,” the President said.
He acknowledged the significance of the Sabbath for the Adventist community, recognizing it as a sacred day of rest and worship.
“The Sabbath, as a sacred day of rest and worship, holds profound significance for the Adventist community, and I deeply respect and honour this fact,” he added.
“Our democratic process, much like our religious practices, are fundamental pillars of our society,” he said, referencing the biblical teaching from Matthew 22:21, where Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” to underscore the importance of fulfilling duties to both God and the State.
This teaching, he noted, calls for harmonising spiritual convictions with civic responsibilities, recognising that the fulfilment of both is essential to the well-being of the community.
President Akufo-Addo urged the SDA Church to explore practical solutions that would enable members to exercise their right to vote without compromising their religious convictions.
“I appeal to the leadership of the Adventist Church to explore practical solutions that would enable members to exercise their right to vote without compromising their religious convictions,” he proposed.
Such measures, he argued, would respect both civic duty and religious observance, setting an example of thoughtful and inclusive leadership for the nation.
President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections on December 7th, reinforcing Ghana’s democratic credentials.
He assured the nation of his government’s unwavering dedication to upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
“I am determined to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections on 7th December, to reinforce Ghana’s democratic credentials, and solidify our status as a beacon of democracy.
