The Ashanti Regional Imam of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Captain Mohammed Yussif, has called on Muslims and the general public to exercise their voting rights responsibly in the upcoming December general elections.
Speaking at a Peaceful Election Forum held in Aboabo, a Zongo community in the Ashanti Region, Captain Yussif emphasized the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections. He cautioned against illegal voting practices and accepting bribes, underscoring that such actions violate both Islamic principles and electoral laws.
“Each and every person has only one vote,” he stated. “If you find yourself voting more than once, then you are committing an illegality. For that matter, everybody should find themselves voting once and promoting peace before the election, during, and after the elections.”
Captain Yussif also condemned the practice of accepting monetary or material incentives in exchange for votes, describing it as morally and ethically wrong.
“We should stop taking bribes and we should stop committing crimes in the course of this peaceful election because anybody who will be found doing that will be treated as a criminal,” he said.
Engagement with Community Leaders
The Imam revealed that he has been actively engaging with mosque leaders across Greater Kumasi, promoting a message of unity and responsible citizenship. These engagements form part of his broader campaign to ensure that the Zongo communities, often characterized by diverse political affiliations, remain united and peaceful throughout the electoral process.
He urged all political actors to conduct their campaigns with decorum and respect for opponents, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence in the face of political differences.
Call for Collective Responsibility
The Imam’s message comes at a critical time as Ghana prepares for its December polls, with heightened political activity across the country. By encouraging responsible voting and rejecting electoral malpractices, Captain Yussif’s advocacy aligns with national efforts to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
He reiterated the role of religious and community leaders in shaping positive behaviors and fostering a sense of national unity during such critical periods.
Conclusion
As political campaigns heat up, the call by the Ashanti Regional GAF Imam for responsible voting and peace resonates with the collective desire for a free, fair, and peaceful election. His appeal to Zongo communities and Ghanaians at large serves as a reminder of the critical role of individual and collective actions in determining the country’s democratic future.
