Royalhouse honours Afari Gyan(13/4/09)

THE Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, has called on religious leaders to educate their congregations on the need to abide by the rules governing elections in the country.
“It is particularly important to make the electorate fully aware that votes represent the will and choices of the people in the selection of their political leaders; votes represents the desires and aspirations of people as to what they want for themselves and their country. Under our electoral system, a candidate can win by just one vote," he said.
Dr Afari-Gyan made the call at an awards ceremony held to honour him for his contribution to Ghana's democracy by the Royal House Chapel at the weekend.
He was presented with a citation, a plaque, a Bible, a cheque for $5,000 and an annual salary of $1,000 after retirement.
The Chairman of the EC, who expressed his sincere gratitude to the church for the award, noted that Ghana's democracy could be deepened if people were fully aware of the true significance of their votes.
He said votes represented the only legitimate door to democratic leadership, adding that for the purposes of democracy, "men of God must stand up for the sanctity of the vote".
The Apostle General of the Royal House Chapel, Rev Sam Korankye Ankrah, thanked Dr Afari-Gyan and the members of staff of the EC for conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2008, to the admiration of the international and local communities.
"It is, indeed, a fitting endorsement of the Royal House Chapel’s appreciation of your exalted achievement and extraordinary contributions towards Ghana's democracy and support for exhorting the principles of good governance which is a vital ingredient in governing God's people that we bestow on you this award," he said.
Rev Ankrah said Dr Afari-Gyan's bravery and self-sacrifice to the service of the nation was worthy of emulation, adding, "Royal House rewards you for your heroic achievements and in recognition of your own unique contributions to the socio-political development of the nation."