Akropong Presby Church Members Embark On Peace Walk
Members of the Akropong District of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) have embarked on a peace walk on some principal streets of Akropong in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of Ashanti to draw the public’s attention to the need to make the December election violent-free.
The church members numbering about 150 carried placards some of which read: Ghana first; Fighting is barbaric; Election is not war; Love Ghana.
The Akropong District Pastor, Rev Edward Asamoah Appiah, who led the peace march said Christians have to be in the fore front in preaching peace because it is the core of their religion. He referred to one particular phrase often recited on the church floor “ Iehowa ntew n’anim nkyere won na oma wo asomdwee” to buttress his claim’
Rev. Asamoah Appiah added that, Christians owe it a duty to exhort the public to always appreciate how vital election is in demonstrating one’s patriotism within the context of the citizen’s civil liberties.
“As a Christian it would be wrong to assume that election is inappropriate. Indeed it is a duty for each eligible voter particularly, Christians, to exercise their franchise anytime election is due. We even owe it an additional duty, as Christians to educate the public about its relevance while we try to convince them why one should vote.” He explained.
He continued, “Without our elected leaders we cannot develop as a country apart from that voting makes us good citizens and by extension, good Christians.”
Rev. Appiah made a passionate appeal to especially the youth, who are more likely to fall prey to the schemes by selfish politicians who are prepared to go every length to win power ‘even if it means sacrificing the peace of the country in fulfilling their selfish interests.”
“Resorting to violence will naturally not be in the interest of anybody – both the perpetrator and the victim – so we should as Christians, eschew all acts that can constitute a potential threat to the country’s existing peace.” He noted.
The Atwima Nwabiagya North District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Yaw Asubonteng , cautioned the public that the police will to compromise on the maintenance of peace in the period before, during and after the elections.
“It is our duty to protect life and property of every citizen so those who may decide to violate the laws will be dealt with decisively.” He said
The District Electoral Officer Madam Oppong Afrah sensitized the church members on some electoral rules with respect to how to cast their votes correctly.