The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has strongly condemned the wave of violence and unrest that has marred the aftermath of the 2024 general elections.
In a statement signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Conference, the bishops decried the chaos that has disrupted peace, resulted in the loss of lives, and widened divisions among citizens.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the acts of violence, rioting, and looting that have disrupted peace and stability in parts of our beloved country,” the bishops stated.
“Such actions are unacceptable and go against the core values of peace, unity, and respect for life that we, as a nation, hold dear.”
The bishops urged political party leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their followers, calling on them to publicly denounce the violence.
“It is crucial that you take a stand against violence, clearly denounce any unlawful actions taken by your supporters, and use your influence to restore calm and respect for the rule of law,” the statement read.
“Your role as leaders goes beyond seeking power – it involves guiding your followers with wisdom, promoting peace, and ensuring the well-being of every Ghanaian.”
The bishops also called for professionalism and fairness from security agencies, emphasizing the importance of impartiality in dealing with those perpetuating violence.
“We urge the Ghana Police and other security services to remain vigilant and professional… Justice must be served!” they insisted, urging swift action to protect lives and property.