- "Elections would usually ultimately come with two outcomes – those declared winners and those who come second, third, and so on. It is a moment of joy and disappointment for the victors and vanquished respectively but should not lead us into destroying the fabric of peace and sanctity of our democracy."
The vice-president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on Ghanaians to emulate the love, peace and good neighbourliness of Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives, “especially as we work in diverse ways to develop the nation”.
“As we celebrate this special day of joy and thanksgiving to God for gifting us with Jesus Christ, we must continue to abide by his teachings and do good to one another,” Dr Bawumia declared on Friday 25 December 2020, as he joined the congregation of Victory Bible Church International at its Dominion Sanctuary in Awoshie, Accra, led by Bishop Tackie-Yarboi, to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
“The teachings of Jesus enjoin us to be humble, love one another and eschew vices. Once, his disciples asked him, ‘Teacher which is the greatest commandment?’ The answer was a simple but powerful statement: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And Love your neighbour as yourself’ – Mathew 22:37-39.
Peaceful coexistence
“For us as a country, we have come a long way and had a history of peaceful coexistence among ourselves despite the diversity in tribes, religion, ethnicity, and so on. Even in our diversities we have always remained indivisible and what we have in common is in excess of what divides us.
“It is because of this love for each other, underpinned by the biblical ‘love your neighbour as thyself’ that today Ghana is rated as the most peaceful country in West Africa. It is a feat well deserved and accomplished that we should not take for granted.”
Alluding to events leading up to, during and after the 7 December polls, Vice-President Bawumia said elections generally generate great emotions, but the participants and their supporters must be guided by the ultimate objective of a peaceful and successful Ghana in accepting the results.
“Just about two weeks ago the Ghanaian spirit for peace was again tested when we went to the polls for the presidential and parliamentary elections. And thankfully, by the favour and mercies of the Lord Almighty, we accomplished that task peacefully.
“Elections would usually ultimately come with two outcomes – those declared winners and those who come second, third, and so on. It is a moment of joy and disappointment for the victors and vanquished respectively but should not lead us into destroying the fabric of peace and sanctity of our democracy.”
He continued: “The president, Nana Akufo-Addo, and myself have gone through the painful moment of losing presidential elections by just 40,000 votes (less than 1 percentage point) in 2008, but we prioritised the peace and sanctity of our democracy first and conceded.
“I am very much convinced that the Lord who granted us the willpower to prioritise national cohesion, peace and tranquility over personal gratification is capable and will do same today. We just have to avail ourselves to be used by God as an instrument for peace.”
Hopeful New Year
The vice-president urged Ghanaians to seek God’s “dominion over any acts of omission and commission that stand as threats to the unity and peace we enjoy as a nation” and expressed confidence that the nation’s prayers “will be heard by the heavens to usher us into a new year full of the grace and mercies of the Lord”.
Vice-President Bawumia was accompanied by the Second Lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia, and senior members of the New Patriotic Party, including Fred Oware, a former first vice-chairman, the former MP and cabinet minister Kwamena Bartels, the current national organiser of the NPP, Sammi Awuku, and the chief executive of the Youth Employment Agency, Justin Kodua.
Also present were MPs and MPs-elect, including Bernard Okoe Boye (Ledzokuku), Patrick Boamah (Okaikwei Central), Dickson Adomako Kissi (Anyaa Sowutuom), Reverend Ntim Fordjour (Assin South), Sheila Bartels (Ablekuma North) and Frank Annoh Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri).
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