The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church has reacted to last week’s appeal by President Akufo-Addo, for members of the church to reconsider their position on voting in this year’s December 7 elections which falls on a Saturday. According to the church, it was still standing by the long-standing conviction, that voting on a Saturday, which is the Sabbath of the Lord, is not in alignment with its religious beliefs.
Following last week’s appeal by President Akufo-Addo, the church in a statement jointly signed by presidents of the Southern Ghana and Northern Ghana conferences gave members of the church the directions to follow. The leadership of the SDA church had advocated for an election date change to accommodate members’ religious observance.
The Church’s efforts were based on the belief that moving Election Day away from Saturday would allow all citizens, regardless of faith, to participate fully in the democratic process. To the church, it recognises the civic responsibility of its members to participate in the democratic process, including exercising their right to vote.
However, it says the Sabbath is a Sacred Day, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, and holds a deep spiritual significance for Adventists. It is a day dedicated to worship, rest, and communion with God. The church has a long-standing conviction and has been teaching members that, they should not engage in non-religious activities, including voting. Voting on the Sabbath is therefore contrary to the understanding of its sanctity.
In a statement dated July 20, 2024, jointly signed by Pastor Dr Thomas Techie Ocran and Pastor Dr Kwame Annor Boahen, presidents of the Southern Ghana and Northern Ghana conferences, the church stated that it respects the right of its members to vote.
However, on the matter of voting on Saturday, they are urging members to prayerfully ensure that their decisions are consistent with the Adventist belief on the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
