The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has broken its silence on the state of Ghana’s democratic health, issuing a strongly-worded statement con
The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has broken its silence on the state of Ghana’s democratic health, issuing a strongly-worded statement condemning the recent wave of electoral violence and expressing deep reservations over the suspension of the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo.
The Bishops, led by their President, Most Rev. Matthew K. Gyamfi, warned that the country’s democratic fabric—carefully woven since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1992—is under threat.
Their concerns follow violent clashes that marred a recent by-election in the Ablekuma North Constituency, where reports of police brutality against civilians, including journalists, shocked the nation.
A Crisis Beyond Ballot Boxes
The GCBC emphasized that democracy is not merely about periodic voting, but rather about justice, dignity, and the rule of law.
“True democracy transcends the periodic casting of votes,” the statement read. “It embodies a just social order that respects the rule of law, upholds the intrinsic dignity of every human person, and guarantees citizens the right to participate meaningfully in shaping our national destiny.”
This message resonates in the wake of disturbing footage from Ablekuma North, showing uniformed personnel allegedly assaulting members of the public during the electoral process.
The Bishops did not mince words, condemning what they termed “brutalisation of citizens” and warning that such acts “betray the very foundations upon which our democracy stands.”
They called for immediate, transparent investigations and swift justice for victims, cautioning that failure to act decisively would further entrench a culture of impunity.
Past Lessons Ignored
The Bishops also criticized the government’s inertia in implementing the recommendations of previous commissions of inquiry into electoral violence.
The 2020 general election was marred by similar incidents, leading to calls for reforms—many of which remain unaddressed.
“Impunity corrodes public trust,” they warned, adding that unless state institutions respond with sincerity and urgency, public faith in the democratic process will continue to erode.
They urged political parties to eschew violence, stressing that elections should be an “exchange of ideas” rather than a contest of brute strength.
Tensions Over Judiciary’s Independence
In what appears to be an even graver concern, the GCBC weighed in on the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Mahama.
The suspension, which has sparked a heated national debate, is being interpreted by many as a direct challenge to judicial independence.
While the Bishops acknowledged the importance of due process in governance, they warned against any move—“perceived or actual”—that may compromise the autonomy of the judiciary.
“Justice is the indispensable cornerstone of national cohesion,” the statement read. “Any precedent that appears to place the judiciary at the mercy of the executive risks irreparably eroding public trust.”
The Bishops emphasized that the removal or suspension of a Chief Justice must be conducted with strict adherence to constitutional protocols and absolute fairness. Any deviation, they cautioned, could imperil the doctrine of separation of powers.
An Appeal for Restraint and Reflection
The GCBC commended the President’s recent convening of a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving but called for more than symbolic gestures.
They urged that the spiritual unity displayed during that event must now translate into concrete actions that promote national healing, reconciliation, and peace.
“We urge all stakeholders to act with the utmost conscientiousness, safeguarding both the inviolable rule of law and the dignity of the judiciary,” the statement said.
A Call to Reclaim Ghana’s Democratic Spirit
The Bishops concluded with a nationalistic appeal to Ghanaians from all walks of life to reaffirm their commitment to justice, peace, and the common good.
They reminded citizens that Ghana’s greatness lies in its ability to ensure that every citizen “finds refuge in the law and hope in our common future.”
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