Bryan Acheampong Urges EC to Allow SDA Members to Join Special Voters

Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency and Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong has urged  the Electoral Commission (EC) to put measures in place to allow members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) to vote alongside security agencies and other individuals under the special voting list.

According to Acheampong, the approximate length  800,000 SDA members in Ghana are currently disenfranchised due to their religious beliefs, which prohibit them from engaging in any activity, including voting, on Saturdays.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all eligible citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Acheampong made his appeal on social media, highlighting the significance of inclusivity in Ghana’s electoral process.

“Kindly join me in calling on the EC to allow the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) to vote with the security agencies,” he posted.

“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.”

Earlier this year, the Adventist Church approached the Electoral Commission with a proposal to hold this year’s election day on a Tuesday in November.

This move would enable all Ghanaians, regardless of religious affiliation, to participate fully in the democratic process without compromising their religious observances.

The EC responded by expressing its willingness to consider the proposal for future elections.

Also read; President Akufo-Addo Urges SDA Church to Soften Stance on 2024 Election Date

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has expressed gratitude for the EC’s willingness to consider this significant adjustment and views it as a symbol of the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect that characterizes Ghana’s democratic landscape.

The Church reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and engaging in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to promote a democracy that embodies the diverse religious fabric of Ghana.

The call by Acheampong comes at a time when concerns about electoral inclusivity are being raised ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The Minister’s plea highlights the need for electoral bodies to ensure that all eligible citizens have equal access to the voting process, regardless of their religious beliefs or affiliations.

As Ghana prepares for its next election, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to create an environment that promotes transparency, inclusivity, and respect for all citizens’ rights.

By implementing measures that allow SDA church members to vote alongside security agencies and other individuals under the special voting list, Ghana can demonstrate its commitment to upholding democratic values and promoting social cohesion.

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