The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana has reaffirmed its stance against voting on Saturdays.
It cites religious beliefs that conflict with civic duties on December 7, 2024, a Saturday when Ghana’s elections are scheduled.
In a recent statement, the church emphasised that while it acknowledges its members’ civic responsibility to participate in democratic processes, voting on Saturday, observed as the Sabbath, is contrary to its religious teachings.
The Sabbath, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, is a sacred day for Adventists dedicated to worship, rest, and spiritual communion.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana 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 reads.
The church leadership has consistently advocated for a change in the election date to accommodate members’ religious observance. They emphasise that moving the election day away from Saturday would enable all citizens, regardless of faith, to participate fully in the electoral process.
“While we respect the diversity of opinions within our membership, this statement issued by the Southern Ghana Union Conference and Northern Ghana Union Conference represents the official position of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana regarding Sabbath observance and voting on Saturday, December 7, 2024,” the statement concludes.
President Akufo-Addo’s appeals to reconsider this stance have not altered the church’s position, signalling a continued adherence to their religious principles amidst the ongoing debate over the election date.
