Right Rev Kwaku Effah, Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana has implored Ghanaians to uphold their political rights and cast their votes devoid of hatred and bitterness.

He explained, the citizens must create for themselves more peaceful and safer society by resisting the temptations and dangers of inflammatory speeches and divisive acts of provocation.

He was speaking at the official opening of the 45th Diocesan Synod of the Sunyani Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana held at the Wesley Cathedral in Sunyani on Friday April 26.

He also called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to abide by a good road map to chart a peaceful course for the conduct of the elections and ensure that no one group of politicians is given preferential treatment at the expense of the other.

"This year is set for the election of a new President and a set of Parliamentarians to formulate laws and pass new bills to govern our beloved country. We need credible people who are committed to the good of our country", he stated.

Right Rev Kwaku Effah charged the Ministers of the church not to use their pulpits to propagate and prosecute the political philosophies and agendas of particular persons and political groupings but rather use it to preach a message of non-violence to pave room for social economic development.

The official opening was attended by members of the clergy of the church, past and present lay representatives, Minister's spouses, representatives from other denomination.

The rest are the Bono regional Minister and some political heads, traditional authorities, institutional heads, and heads of the security services.

In his speech, the fifth Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, Right Rev Kwaku Effah indicated that, "The National Commission for Civic Education must intensify public education to make Ghanaians aware of their electoral and civic responsibilities. The security agencies, particularly, the Police Service have a critical role to play to maintain law and order before, during and after the elections."

He charged Christendom to pray to God to calm nerves and senses during the decisive period of the country.

Sompaonline.com/Akua Nyarko Abronoma