The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appealed to the leadership of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church to rethink its decision that December 7, 2024 which is the Election Day and falls on Saturday should be changed.
The President acknowledged the concern raised by the church, in relation to the observance of the Sabbath, which he said was a testament to the faith and devotion of Adventist believers.
“The Sabbath, as a sacred day of rest and worship, holds profound significance for the Adventist Community and I deeply respect and honour this fact.
Nevertheless, as we navigate the complexities of our modern democratic society and dialogue, it is in this spirit of mutual respect and understanding that I humbly appeal and plead with the leadership and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to reconsider their decision of not allowing elections on December 7, 2024.
Our democratic process, much like our religious practices, are fundamental pillars of our society,” the President appealed.
President Akufo-Addo said this on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at the 31st congregation and third special congregation of Valley View University.
THE DATE
The President, in asking the Church to reconsider its stance, reminded the congregation of history and how the December 7 date was agreed upon.
He stated that the date emanated from the nation’s decision to depart from the example of the first election in 1992, when the presidential and parliamentary elections were held on different days.
He recalled that the development led to the boycotting protest by the New Patriotic Party of subsequent parliamentary elections and, thereafter, to hold presidential and parliamentary polls together.
“And as you can see, the date has meant that the relevant day has been a movable feast. In 1996, it fell on Saturday, in 2000 on Thursday, in 2004 on Tuesday, in 2008 on Sunday, in 2012 on Friday, in 2016 on Wednesday, in 2020 on Monday and in 2024 on Saturday,” President Akufo-Addo outlined.
DISENFRANCHISE
According to the President, the days on which previous elections had been held were not altered, as Ghana has held elections on all the days of the week, with Saturday repeating this December.
He assured that there could be no intention in that arithmetic “to deter, discourage or disenfranchise any group from being able to exercise their civic rights.”
He reiterated his determination to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections on December 7, 2024 to reinforce Ghana’s democratic provisions and to solidify her status as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.
EARLY VOTING
President Akufo-Addo, therefore, appealed to the leadership of the SDA Church to explore practical solutions that will enable members to exercise their right to vote without compromising their religious convictions.
He had earlier cited the biblical story of Jesus being posed a question on paying tax to Caesar, where Jesus responded that what ought to be rendered to Caesar ought to be, and to God the things that are his.
He suggested that early voting and other accommodations could be considered to ensure that every Adventist believer had the opportunity to participate in this crucial democratic exercise.
He noted that such measures would highlight a resolve to respect both civic duty and religious observance, setting an example of thoughtful and inclusive leadership for the entire nation.
ADVOCACY
The SDA Church has been advocating for the date of the Saturday, December 7, 2024 general elections to be rescheduled as the day coincides with their Sabbath.
They had proposed November 7 as the alternative, on the back of constitutional provisions on the time frames for the presidential and parliamentary elections.
DOCTORATE
The 31st congregation of Valley View University saw President Akufo-Addo being honoured with a doctorate degree. The award was in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the nation, the continent, and the world.
“Your Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana, on this day Sunday, July 14, 2024 Valley View University proudly bestows on you the degree of Humane Letters Honoros Causa, illustrious son of Africa,” the Pro-Vice Chancellor said.
President Akufo-Addo promised to complete some stalled projects started by his predecessor, President John Agyekum Kuffuor, who granted the university charter in 2006.
The university also awarded PhDs and other degrees to students who graduated, with the Vice Chancellor encouraging them to represent the image of the university all through their lives.
