Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency and Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to implement measures allowing members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) to vote alongside security agencies and other persons under the special voting list.
According to him, the SDA's approximately 800,000 members in Ghana are currently disenfranchised due to their religious beliefs, which prohibit them from engaging in any activity, including voting, on Saturdays.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Acheampong made the call, highlighting the significance of ensuring that all eligible citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, are able to exercise their democratic right to vote.
"Kindly join me in calling on the EC to allow the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) to vote with the security agencies.
"The SDA has an 800,000+ strong Ghanaian membership that is disenfranchised because, by their faith, they do not work on Saturdays and, therefore, do not vote," his post read.
Kindly join me in calling on the EC to allow the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) to vote with the security agencies. The SDA has an 800,000+ strong Ghanaian membership that is disenfranchised because, by their faith, they do not work on Saturdays and, therefore, do not vote.
— Bryan Acheampong (@BryanAcheampong) July 18, 2024
Earlier this year, the Adventist Church wrote to the Electoral Commission proposing that this year's election day be held on Tuesday in November, a move that would allow all Ghanaians, regardless of religious affiliation, to participate fully in the democratic process without compromising their religious observances.
Read also: SDA Church welcomes EC’s consideration of proposed voting date change from December 7
The EC in its reply said it would consider the proposal.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed gratitude for the Electoral Commission's willingness to consider this significant adjustment in the future, and said the decision symbolised the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect that characterizes Ghana's democratic landscape.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and engaging in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to promote a democracy that embraces the diverse religious fabric of Ghana.
Latest Stories
-
35th CIMG Awards: Full list of winners
57 mins -
The Multimedia Group wins big at CIMG Awards 2023
2 hours -
Bernard Mornah wins PNC flagbearship race
2 hours -
Video: Confusion at PNC National Executives election
3 hours -
Rapper E.L. joins King Promise as Guinness Accravaganza headliner for September 21 showdown
4 hours -
PNC Congress: Bernard Mornah leads in Greater Accra Region
4 hours -
Reject violence, divisive rhetoric, embrace peace ahead of elections – Bawumia appeals to Ghanaians
4 hours -
SEFF’s debut single ‘Father’ sets stage for bold new talent
5 hours -
Super typhoon Yagi kills four in Vietnam
6 hours -
Hollard Insurance-UENR Mentoring Day: Students urged to let hard work, integrity shine to advance career
6 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Vision FC opens campaign with draw against Berekum Chelsea
6 hours -
If Baba Yara pitch was good, Mumin clears the ball – Laryea Kingston
7 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Samartex begin title defence with draw against Dreams FC
7 hours -
Financing road construction and maintenance through a special fuel levy: A sustainable solution for Ghana’s road infrastructure
7 hours -
Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards 2024 launched to honor positive social influence
7 hours