The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has called for national introspection and responsible leadership in the face of recent electoral violence, the Ablekuma North rerun, and the suspension of the Chief Justice, warning of potential threats to the country’s democratic gains.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 22, and signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, the Bishops expressed concern over these developments that, if left unaddressed, could undermine the foundations of the country’s democratic stability and social cohesion.

“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.”

The Bishops cited the Ablekuma North Constituency as a grave reminder of how fragile peace can become when impunity overshadows accountability. The attack, which reportedly involved the brutalisation of citizens and journalists, was condemned as a “gross violation of human dignity” and an affront to democratic values.

They urged the State to conduct “prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations” into all incidents of the violence and also urged the government to act swiftly on recommendations from past commissions of enquiry, ensuring that “lessons learned translate into meaningful institutional reforms.”

Reaffirming their moral leadership role, the Bishops reminded political actors that “elections are not a contest of might, but a platform for the exchange of ideas.”

They called on political parties and their supporters to exercise maximum restraint and uphold national peace over partisan gain.

The Electoral Commission (EC) was advised to deepen stakeholder engagement to restore public confidence, while the security services were urged to maintain professionalism and impartiality in conflict prevention and management.

Addressing growing unease over the suspension of the Chief Justice, the Bishops sounded a clear warning against any actions that might erode judicial independence. “A healthy, functioning democracy equally demands an independent, credible judiciary, free from political interference,” they cautioned.

While acknowledging the need for due process, they expressed serious concern over the potential politicisation of the judiciary, emphasising that “justice is the indispensable cornerstone of national cohesion.”

The GCBC stressed that the removal of a sitting Chief Justice must be governed strictly by constitutional principles and procedural fairness. Any perception that the judiciary is vulnerable to executive overreach, the Bishops warned, would undermine public trust and damage the institution's credibility.

Meanwhile, the Bishops praised the recent National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving led by President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as a “welcome moment for spiritual and civic reflection.” The Bishops encouraged all citizens to draw inspiration from that event to recommit to unity, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

“As one people, let us fervently renew our shared covenant to build a just, peaceful, and prosperous Ghana, a nation where every citizen finds refuge in the law and hope in our common future,” the statement declared.