Moderator warns against electoral malpractices

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has cautioned the church against emerging electoral malpractices, urging strict adherence to Presbyterian principles as the 26th General Assembly continues at the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi–Kwahu.

Addressing the church on Wednesday, the Moderator reaffirmed that the PCG’s governance is rooted in a representative, constitutional, and relational polity, a system he said is fundamental to Presbyterian identity. He reminded the Assembly that Presbyters elected by the people are responsible for governing the church, and that each court must elect its own officers without interference.

“No higher court can instruct a lower court to install a person as an officer,” he stressed, adding that elected leaders must seek the will of Christ rather than simply mirror the desires of their electors.

He expressed concern over reports of money being used to influence delegates, describing such behaviour as akin to simony, the corrupt practice that contributed to the sixteenth‑century Reformation. “We cannot be seen to accommodate a practice that we rejected because of its unbiblical and unspiritual nature,” he warned.

The Moderator also condemned tribal sentiments allegedly being used to sway electoral outcomes, calling such tendencies unbecoming of the church’s heritage and unity. He reminded the Assembly that the current electoral system was adopted to reduce animosity and must not be abused.

To safeguard the integrity of church elections, he announced that the General Assembly Council is developing guidelines to regulate the election of officers across the church. These guidelines, he said, will strengthen confidence in the church’s decision‑making processes and ensure fairness. He added that sanctions will be necessary for individuals who violate the sanctity of elections.

By Jerome Otchere