President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi has urged all Catholic youths to promote peace in the upcoming elections in Ghana.
Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi addressed the Ghana National Catholic Youth Council to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of GHANCYC and the fifth Ghana version of the World Youth Day at Sunyani in the Bono region.
Speaking on the theme: “GHANCYC at 50: Fostering the Growth of Catholic Youth through Collaborative Ministry” Bishop Gyamfi emphasized the importance of young Catholics in shaping a peaceful election process.
“Marking this momentous occasion we also acknowledge the significance of shaping peaceful elections as Ghana heads to the polls soon to elect our new political leaders”.
Bishop Gyamfi stressed the need for the youth to be actively involved in creating a peaceful atmosphere during the election period. He highlighted the role of the Catholic Church in promoting peace and unity in the country, urging the youth to be positive influencers in their communities.
The Bishop encouraged the youth to engage in dialogue, foster understanding, and promote reconciliation among their peers, regardless of their political affiliations. He reminded them of the important role they play in advocating for peace and unity in the nation.
“May this celebration therefore inspire us to promote respectful dialogue, tolerance and understanding. And may our youth the Catholic youth become ambassadors of peace in our communities”.
Admonishing his fellow youth on the occasion, Mathias Justice Waliba, chairman of GHANCYC, Techiman Diocese, Kumasi Province urged all Catholic youths to preach and promote peace, to stay away from trouble and obey all electoral laws. “Let us all promote peaceful elections in our various Arch Dioceses and condemn violence”.
He also entreated them to exercise their franchise by voting for a leader of their choice. “Do not sit at home and let others decide who to lead us as a nation, but please in doing so stay away from trouble and violence”.
The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene implored the Catholic youth to be positive and live like Jesus Christ and practice the virtues in the Bible in their various societies to be able to live like true Christians. She also entreated them to have roll models and seek council to be able to work towards their objectives.
“This is your time, you have enough energy, you have enough strength, you have opportunities, you have enough resources make good use of them”.
By Claude Kumi Abisa Sunyani-Bono region
