Christian Council condemns violence within political parties

According to the Council, the growing phenomenon of political violence has led to deaths and destruction of several properties, and has become a major threat to our growing democracy and national peace ahead of the 2016 general elections.

In a statement signed by Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong General Secretary of the Council to condemn the violence in some political parties, the Christian Council said, "Our politicians must demonstrate their strength and influence by their ability to dialogue and engage others based on ideas, rather than mobilizing people to insult, attack and to some extent kill in their quest to exert their authority."

It would be recalled that a member of the New Patriotic Party was murdered at Asawase in the Ashanti region after supporters of suspended national chairman Paul Afoko and acting chairman Freddie Blay clashed at the party’s constituency office.

Below is the full statement

RECENT POLITICAL VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION THREAT TO 2016 ELECTIONS

The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) is very much worried and concerned about the recent use of violence and intimidation in our body politics.

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This growing phenomenon of political violence has already led to deaths and destruction of several properties, and has become a major threat to our growing democracy and national peace ahead of the 2016 general elections.

The Council in no uncertain terms condemns all forms of violence, coercion and intimidation tactics deployed by some individuals within the various political parties to usurp governance structures and authority in the name of politics.

We are of the firm belief that politics is about influence. Politicians must be able to convince people to follow them and do their bidding through ideologies and internal political structures as enshrined in our Constitution.

Our politicians must demonstrate their strength and influence by their ability to dialogue and engage others based on ideas, rather than mobilizing people to insult, attack and to some extent kill in their quest to exert their authority.

The use of coercion by some politicians to have their way on matters that are not in their favor is extremely frightening. It is now obvious that, people who challenge those who are perceived to be untouchable within the political circles are not safe.

This is gradually creating a culture of silence and fear in our body politics and it is dangerous for our democracy.

We, therefore, call on the various political parties, Ghana Police Service and stakeholders to immediately take efforts to address political violence in the country as we prepare for the 2016 general elections.

As a council, we will continue to use our various platforms to educate our members and the general public on the need to use dialogue and legal structures to address their concerns, and eschew violence.

In the same vein, we are ready to facilitate mediation and peace building within our body politics whenever necessary.

We will continue to pray for God’s continues blessings and protection for our nation as we prepare for the 2016 general elections.

S.G.DRev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-FrimpongGeneral Secretary