The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ghana have stated that they believe and respect the rights of their members to vote to select leaders.
However, the Church is urging members to be prayerful and ensure that, their decisions are consistent with the Adventist belief on the sanctity of the Sabbath.
This was in a press release signed by Pr. Dr. Thomas Techie Ocran, President of Southern Ghana Union Conference, Accra and Pr. Dr. Kwame Annor Boahen, President of Northern Ghana Union Conference, Kumasi.
“While we respect the diversity of opinions within our membership. this statement. issued by the Southern Ghana Union Conference and Northern Ghana Union Conference is the Church in Ghana’s official position on Sabbath observance and voting on Saturday, December 7, 2024”.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana according to the statement, recognises the civic responsibility of its members to participate in the democratic process, including exercising their right to vote. “However, we wish to reiterate our longstanding conviction that voting on Saturday, the Sabbath of the Lord, is not in alignment with our religious beliefs”.
The statement reiterated what the Church stands for and advocates:
1. Sabbath as a Sacred Day
The Sabhath, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, holds deep spiritual significance for Adventists. It is a day dedicated to worship, rest, and communion with God. Our long-standing conviction and teaching have been that members should not engage in non-religious activities, including voting. Voting on the Sabhath is therefore contrary to our understanding of its sanctity.
2. Efforts Made Toward Election Date Change
The Ieadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has consistently advocated for an election date change to accommodate members’ religious observance. The Churchs efforts were based on our belief that moving the election day away from Saturday would allow all citizens. regardless of faith to participate fully in the democratic process.
3. No Political Endorsement
As a Church, while we encourage civic engagement, our congregational meetings—whether on Saturday or any other day—should not serve as platforms for political debate, endorsement of political parties, or candidates or political party campaigns. Our focus during Sabbath gatherings should be worship, spiritual growth, and fellowship.
“While we respect the diversity of opinions within our membership, this statement, issued by the Southern Ghana Union Conference and Northern Ghana Union Conference is the Church in Ghana’s official position on Sabbath observance and voting on Saturday, December 7, 2024”.
