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‘Let’s make informed decisions on referendum’

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, has cautioned the citizenry to conduct critical analysis of, and make an informed decision on the referendum set to determine the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

However, he advised all eligible citizens to participate in the election which is in fulfillment of the constitutional requirement for the electorate to approve or reject as to whether Article 55(3) should be amended to introduce multi-partisan system into local elections.

Speaking on the sidelines of an induction service held in Wenchi in the Bono Region, Most Rev Dr Boafo explained that “it is a momentous exercise, it will not be easy to reverse any decision Ghanaians might take, hence the need for the electorate to understand the concept and all processes properly in order not to take any decision and regret later, there is the need for public education, sensitisation and awareness must be intensified”.

The Methodist Church inducted Right Reverend Alfred Appiah Andam as the Bishop of the Wenchi Diocese after serving as the Wenchi Circuit as Superintendent Minister from 2013-2019.

Most Rev Dr Boafo reiterated the need for elections and referendum were important to deepen and consolidate the nation’s democratic dispensation, good governance and rule of law and advised the citizenry to find time to participate in the supreme interest of the nation.

He affirmed the resolve, readiness, dedication, commitment and determination of the Methodist Church, Ghana to “support and assist policies, programmes and interventions of the government that sought to improve on socio-economic livelihoods of the citizen”.

The Electoral Commission (EC) will organise district level elections and referendum to amend Articles 55(3) and 243 (1) of the 1992 Constitution and barring any hitch, the elections will commence from 7am to 5pm on Tuesday December 17, 2019.

Currently, the constitution prohibits political parties from sponsoring a candidate, the use of existing political party symbols, and canvassing for votes on the platform of a political party on the elections, the constitution stipulates 40 per cent of registered and qualified voters’ turnout to vote, 75 per cent of votes cast be in favour of referendum question which gives mandate to sitting president to appoint MMDCEs. -GNA

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