Vote in God-fearing and honest people - Archbishop Yinkah-Sarfo

Sampson Adu-Poku, GNA
Kumasi, Sept 01, GNA - The Most Reverend Professor Daniel Yinkah-Sarfo, Primate and Anglican Archbishop of the Internal Province of West Africa, has called for Ghanaians to vote in God-fearing, genuinely sincere and honest people to lead the nation.

They should refuse to give their votes to any politician out there, in pursuit of self-serving agenda - interested only in the prestige and privileges that come with the political office but not the common good.

He was speaking at the opening session of the 18th diocesan synod of the Kumasi Anglican Church at the Saint Cyprian's Cathedral.

'Repositioning our diocese for effective and holistic ministry and growth' is the theme chosen for the four-day event.

Attending are 136 delegates from across all its parishes and institutions.

The Most Rev Prof Yinkah-Sarfo reminded everybody involved in the coming December general election that they had a responsibility to God, the nation and themselves to play it fair.

He asked that the Electoral Commission (EC) as referee 'should be extremely neutral and focused' to deliver transparent and credible elections the outcome would be incontestable.

Again, he said it was important that the security agencies remained firm, even-handed and professional, reminding them that, their loyalty should be to the nation - Ghana.

He appealed to all to get right with the law and to stay away from anything likely to generate unnecessary political heat and confusion as the country inched towards the presidential and parliamentary polls.

He expressed concern about the growing security threat posed by radicalization and religious extremism and called for stepped up effort to promote tolerance.

He underlined the need for Christians to have constructive engagement with Muslims as 'faith friends' for peaceful co-existence - to affirm the sanctity and dignity of human life.

Mr. John Alexander Ackon, the Ashanti Regional Minister, urged religious leaders to use the pulpit to promote peace and unity and said that was the way to bring progress.

He praised the church for its enormous contribution to nation's development and asked that it continued to work towards the spiritual growth and the welfare of the people.

He asked that Christians became good example to the others in the society by displaying sublime qualities of love, mercy, integrity, humility and service.

Nana Ampofo Kyei Baafour II, the Asemhene, appealed to journalists to be ethical and refuse to serve as conveyor belt of aggressive political rhetoric and foul language. GNA