Ghanaians have about two weeks to go to the polls to elect a president and 275 parliamentarians to lead the nation. In view of this, the New Tafo District of The Church of Pentecost has launched an ‘Agent of Peace’ campaign ahead of the elections to educate the populace to pursue peace before, during, and after the elections.
The colourful event dubbed “Seek Peace and Pursue It” took place on Sunday, November 15, 2020, at the M. K. Yeboah Temple, Krofrom in Kumasi. It was in line with the directives of the leadership of the church to preach peace and pursue it.
The District Minister, Pastor Seth Dwamena Asante, led members from the local assemblies in the district in a float through the streets of Ash-Town and Krofrom, holding placards bearing peace and salvation inscriptions, amidst singing and dancing to create public awareness about the event.
Present were the Manhyia Sub-Metro Electoral Officer, Mrs Anastacia Nketia, the Ashanti Regional Programme Officer of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Nana Afia Pokua Konadu, among others.
Pastor Seth Dwamena Asante in his welcome address based on Psalm 34:14 spoke on the significance of seeking in every area of human activity. He said the Vision 2020 theme of the church enjoins members of the church to be agents of peace in their quest to possess the nations.
He asserted that it is the constitutional right for Ghanaians to exercise their franchise. He, therefore, advised the youth not to avail themselves for unscrupulous persons to use them to foment trouble before, during, and after the elections, but to be vigilant and live peacefully with their neighbours to make Ghana a better place to live.
The Electoral Officer for Manhyia South, Mrs Anastacia Nketia, educated the participants on the dos and don’ts of the electoral process and encouraged the youth to partake in the elections since it is an obligation for every citizen who is 18 years and above and of sound mind to exercise their franchise.
“It is against the law to vote when you are not 18 years old. Putting any material apart from the ballot paper and causing violence at the polling centres is also unlawful. Therefore, let us be mindful not to get involved in any of these offenses,” she said.
The Ashanti Regional Programmes Officer for the NCCE, Nana Afia Pokua Konadu, commended The Church of Pentecost for the launch of the peace campaign across the country and the church’s support towards the operations of the NCCE.
She advised that if the message of peace is spread and concerted efforts are made to create awareness of its importance, the world will be a better place.
Report by Dennis Owusu.