“Voting on Saturday Not Aligned with Our Religious Beliefs” – SDA Stands by its Decision not to Vote on December 7

President Akufo-Addo’s request for the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) to reconsider its decision not to vote in the December 7 election seems unsuccessful. The SDA Church reaffirmed its stance, citing the conflict between the election date and their religious observance of the Sabbath.

In a statement, the Church emphasized the importance of voting as a civic duty for Ghanaians but noted that December 7, falling on a Saturday, clashes with their religious commitments. The SDA Church has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) and other stakeholders to change the election date to accommodate their beliefs.

The statement highlighted the Sabbath’s significance, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, as a day for worship, rest, and communion with God. Engaging in non-religious activities, including voting, on this day is contrary to their understanding of its sanctity.

The Church has consistently advocated for an election date change to ensure all citizens, regardless of faith, can participate fully in the democratic process. While respecting members’ right to vote, the SDA Church urges them to make decisions aligning with their belief in the Sabbath’s sanctity.

This official position on Sabbath observance and voting was issued by the Southern Ghana Union Conference and Northern Ghana Union Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ghana.