The Catholic Bishop Conference has called on voters to be vigilant as they exercise their franchise on December 7, 2016.

The Conference maintained that such alertness is required to ensure that the tenets of good governance are upheld.

In a communique issued at the end of an annual assembly held in Tamale, the conference encouraged voters to participate fully in the electoral processes leading to the December polls.

The communique read in part: “While an election in and by itself cannot guarantee good governance, it can facilitate or hinder development depending on how it’s managed. Participation in the political life, in the light of fundamental moral principles is therefore an essential duty of every christian and of all people of goodwill. We therefore encourage all registered voters to be vigilant as they exercise their franchise.

“To decide not to vote, is to neglect your duty and run the risk of leaving others to decide your future for you. In the name of Peace, parents and guardians are reminded that they have a God-given responsibility to discourage their under-aged children and wards from voting.

“In the same vein we appeal to non-Ghanaians who registered for one reason or the other to refrain from voting. Let’s all remember that we can have a peaceful elections only if we ensure justice before, during and after the elections.”

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference one week Plenary Assembly was held under the theme: “Reconciliation with God, humanity and nature in the year of mercy.”

Most Reverend Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale was elected as the new President of the Conference at the Assembly.