The Techiman Area of The Church of Pentecost, on September 28, 2020, launched the ‘Agents of Peace’ campaign at the Dwomor Central assembly under the theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It” (Psalm 34:14).
The launch of the peace campaign was in line with the vision of the Church to drum home the need for its members and Ghanaians, in general, to pursue peace before, during and after the December 7 elections.
In his opening address, the Techiman Area Head, Apostle Julius Franklin Asante-Ayeh, stated: “We have seen many nations suffer political instability that has thrown their development into the reverse gear. In that case, the church too suffers.
“Elections should not be left at the doorstep of the Electoral Commission and political parties alone, but civil society organisations and the church must be seen as influencing the process. It’s in the light of this that the nationwide campaign by The Church of Pentecost for its members to be agents of peace in their communities was initiated.”
He added: “As Christians, we are enjoined to be peacemakers. The purpose of the campaign is to challenge and educate Christians to be agents of peace as the nation prepares for elections 2020. Peace is an essential commodity in nation-building. Therefore, we must all support this course.”
Apostle Asante-Ayeh called on the Christian community and political players in the country to refrain from insults, abusive language, needless arguments, and derogatory comments.
He charged the participants to carry the peace message to their various destinations, saying, “This is just launching; we must send the message out there. Every district in the Area will do its peace march to propagate this message of peace,” he said.
The Deputy Bono East Regional Minister, Honourable Martin Oti Gyrako, on his part, advised Ghanaians to be mindful of their speeches to promote peace in the country. “War has rendered many homeless and made others refugees. If it [war] occurs in Ghana where will we go?” he quizzed.
“Our fathers have laid a good foundation for us; we are not those to destroy it,” he said. On behalf of the Regional Coordinating Council, he pledged their commitment to ensuring peace in the region and advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used as tools for violence since the future belongs to them. “Even if I tell you to go and fight for me, tell me to go myself,” he stated.
The Deputy Regional Minister commended the leadership of The Church of Pentecost for the great initiative and pleaded with the Church to continue to pray for a peaceful election.
The Electoral Officer for the Techiman South Municipality, Mr. Sampson Ofori, said: “Peace is the responsibility of all citizens but not politicians alone. So it’s laudable that The Church of Pentecost is championing this campaign.”
He outlined some of the don’ts in electioneering process as follows: tearing down posters, using others logo/symbols, intimidation, announcing one’s vote or making it open, vote-buying, personal attacks, etc.
There were goodwill messages from various stakeholders pledging their support for a peaceful election in the region.
Also present were Honourable John Kofi Donyina (MCE, Techiman South), Mr. Sampson Ofori, Nananom, Peace Council Representative, the clergy and members of the Church.
Report by Pastor Peter Amuzu-Avorde, Techiman Area.
