Catholic Bishops demand rule of law amid electoral violence, CJ suspension
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) is calling for urgent national reflection and responsible leadership in response to recent political developments, including electoral violence, the Ablekuma North by-election rerun, and the suspension of the Chief Justice.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 22, and signed by GCBC President, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Bishops expressed deep concern over these incidents, warning that if not promptly and properly addressed, they could threaten Ghana’s hard-won democratic stability and social harmony.
GCBC condemned the violence in Ablekuma North, describing it as a stark reminder of how fragile peace becomes when impunity replaces accountability.
The reported assault on citizens and journalists, they said, was a “gross violation of human dignity” and a betrayal of democratic values.
The Bishops urged the State to conduct “prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations” into all incidents and called on the government to implement recommendations from past enquiries to drive meaningful institutional reform.
Reaffirming their moral leadership, the Bishops reminded political leaders that elections are not battles of brute force but platforms for the free exchange of ideas.
They also called on parties and supporters to show restraint and put national peace above partisan interests.
On the suspension of the Chief Justice, the Bishops warned against any move that could compromise judicial independence.
They stressed that the removal of a sitting Chief Justice must strictly follow constitutional procedures, cautioning that even the perception of executive overreach risks undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
The Bishops also welcomed the recent National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving led by President John Dramani Mahama, calling it a “timely moment for reflection and renewal.”
They encouraged all Ghanaians to draw from it a renewed commitment to unity, reconciliation, and peace.
Below is the full statement
