My dear Brothers and Sisters,
This month, I wish to crave the pardon of our Brothers and Sisters in Togo/Benin and Liberia to write on subject that is typically Ghanaian but which also has implications for our West African Sub-region – the forthcoming National Elections in Ghana
The campaign to occupy the highest office and Parliament of Ghana is gradually heating up. If the interest shown in the recent voters’ registration exercise is anything to go by, then Ghanaians are in for very interesting times ahead in the next few months. After its Standing Committee meeting in January this year, the Knights of Marshall issued a communique appealing to all political parties in Ghana to be civil in their campaign messages, avoid infractions of the electoral laws and refrain from the use of language that would likely inflame passions and disturb the peace of the country. In the same communique, the Noble Order cautioned both the print and electronic media to think Ghana first in their reportage of events leading to the December 2008 elections. Similarly the communique urged the Electoral Commission to ensure that it conducts free and fair elections. Several well meaning Ghanaians both home and abroad have, before the issue of our communique and after, expressed similar sentiments appealing to the conscience of Ghanaians to draw lessons from recent happenings in some African Countries and opt for peace.
My brothers and sisters, this month’s letter is to urge you in a very special way, to opt for peace in whatever way possible during this period of political campaign in Ghana. Let us remind ourselves that as disciples of Christ in this 21st century we have a duty and responsibility to first conduct ourselves in ways that express love for our political opponents. Let us by all means, get involved in issue-based discussions that throw light on which political grouping one ought to associate with. Let us attend political rallies if we feel so inclined. Let us even join in the many discussions on radio and in the print media if we can contribute to the quality of debate and win members for our preferred party. But in doing all this let us also remember that an election is not a do and die affair and neither is electioneering campaign a preparation for a war. It is possible that some of the people who are issuing threats, using abusive language and spreading falsehood about political opponents on radio and in the print media are our friends, family members, church members, work colleagues, or even Marshallan Brothers and Sisters. Let us not keep silent while they perpetuate actions that can create problems for all of us.
Let all Marshallans in Ghana, disciples of Christ, take special interest in what is going on in the politics of the country. Let us speak out as necessary, whether as Councils and Courts or as individuals in our communities. Let us share and teach others to share the peace we receive at Holy Mass everyday. Above all, let all Marshallans, including those in Togo/Benin and Liberia pray unceasingly during these critical months preceding the national elections in Ghana for the Lord to look with favour on his people, tame the hearts of trouble makers and protect us from all dangers.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage us and strengthen us always to do and say what is good (2 Thess 2: 16-17) in these crucial times of Ghana’s history.
Yours fraternally,
SIR KT BRO EDDIE PRAH
(SUPREME KNIGHT)