As Ghana stands on the brink of its national elections, the District Pastor of the South Industrial Estate District of the Church of Pentecost in Sunyani, Reverend Dennis Sasu, has issued a fervent plea for peace and unity, highlighting the potential repercussions of unrest on both the nation and the church a Ghanaians goes to poll on December 7th.
In his Sunday sermon, delivered to a congregation filled with anticipation and concern at Kings Assembly, Pastor Sasu underscored the critical importance of maintaining peace throughout the electoral process. He warned that the absence of peace could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the country’s stability but also for the church’s mission and community cohesion.
“Peace is the cornerstone of our nation’s progress,” he stated. “Without it, our development efforts stall, our communities suffer, and our future becomes uncertain. The absence of peace can lead to economic instability, disrupt education, and strain our healthcare systems, affecting every Ghanaian’s daily life.”
Pastor Sasu also emphasized the impact of discord on the church, noting that political unrest could hinder the church’s ability to fulfill its spiritual and social missions. “The church thrives in an environment of peace,” he explained. “When communities are divided, our efforts to spread the message of love, hope, and unity are compromised. The church’s role as a sanctuary and a source of support becomes even more crucial during times of turmoil.”
He called on all political leaders to act responsibly, urging them to engage in peaceful dialogue and to respect the electoral process. He also appealed to the youth to resist being drawn into violence, emphasizing their vital role in shaping a peaceful future for Ghana.
“The youth are the torchbearers of tomorrow,” he said. “They must be empowered to engage in constructive dialogue and to reject any form of violence or division. Their energy and passion should be channeled towards building a united and prosperous nation.”
Pastor Sasu’s message extended to the media, which he urged to report responsibly and avoid sensationalism that could exacerbate tensions. “The media must focus on promoting peace and unity,” he noted. “Balanced and fair reporting is essential to inform the public and prevent the spread of misinformation.”
In response to the potential challenges posed by political unrest, Pastor Sasu announced that the Church of Pentecost in Sunyani has hosted a series of prayer meetings and peace workshops. These initiatives aim to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to pray for the nation and discuss strategies to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
He noted that human’s effort can bring peace, adding that human bodies like the UN, National Peace Council among other peace organizations have made frantic efforts in the world to ensure peace, however there is still a lack of peace in the world and therefore called on all to depend on God for peace.
The pastor’s appeal has resonated deeply within the community, with local leaders and residents expressing their support for his call to action. “Pastor Sasu’s words remind us of the importance of peace and unity,” said Deacon Donkor, a Sunyani resident. “We must all do our part to ensure that Ghana remains a beacon of democracy in Africa.