Ms Ophelia Ankrah, Eastern Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has revealed that as the country prepares for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the Commission will serve as a forefront governance institution to ensure a peaceful and informed electoral process.
The NCCE’s mandate is to promote civic awareness, education, and participation in democratic processes. In the lead-up to elections, the Commission’s role is crucial in voter education, creating civic awareness, conflict prevention, and resolution, among other issues, Ms. Ankrah stated.
Ms Ankrah started at a public engagement organized by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Koforidua Mile 50, to educate the congregants on the theme “The Role of the NCCE and the EC in Ensuring Peaceful Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.”
The Electoral Commission (EC) Deputy Eastern Regional Director, Nana Oduro Numapau, the Deputy Eastern Regional Director of NCCE, Mr Augustine Bosrotsi, and other staff of the NCCE and EC were present at the programme organized on July 19.
Ms Ankrah explained that the NCCE has been conducting nationwide voter education programmes, empowering citizens with knowledge of the electoral process, voting procedures, and the importance of peaceful participation.
As part of the civic education mandate of the Commission, the NCCE has promoted civic awareness, encouraging citizens to engage in constructive dialogue, tolerate diverse opinions, and respect the rule of law, Ms. Ankrah stated.
She said the NCCE has established mechanisms to prevent and resolve electoral conflicts, promote alternative dispute resolution methods, and collaborate with stakeholders to address potential flashpoints.
The NCCE Eastern Regional Director stressed that the Commission has facilitated dialogue among political parties, fostering cooperation and mutual respect and encouraging parties to commit to peaceful elections.
On youth engagement, Ms. Ankrah said that recognizing the critical role of youth in elections, the NCCE has implemented programmes targeting young people, promoting peaceful political participation, and discouraging violence.
She said the NCCE has also set out strategic programs for collaboration with stakeholders, especially the Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders, to ensure a comprehensive approach to election management.
She noted that despite challenges, including limited resources and political polarization, the NCCE remains committed to its mission. The Commission can enhance its impact by leveraging technology, engaging marginalized groups, and promoting inclusivity.
The EC Deputy Eastern Regional Director, Nana Oduro Numapau, explained that the EC’s role is multifaceted and encompasses voter registration, candidate nomination, campaign regulation, polling, counting, and results declaration.
He noted that its most critical function is maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral cycle.
He revealed that the EC has been busy registering voters, updating the electoral roll, and conducting voter education programs; “these efforts aim to ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their franchise and make informed decisions.”
Deputy Eastern Regional Director of NCCE, Mr. Augustine Bosrotsi, stressed that the Commission will continue to engage citizens through programmes such as the Constitution and Citizenship Week Celebration, Civic Education Clubs in Schools, Dawn and Dusk Open Broadcast, and Community Information Centers.
He said the Commission is committed to the practical education of Ghanaians on the need to abstain from attitudes and behaviours that are panaceas for disaster and can destabilize the peace we are currently enjoying.
Mr Bosrotsi admonished politicians, the youth, political communicators, and the public to desist from hate speech, intolerant language, misinformation, and disinformation.
He said Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana allows us to have the right of association, whether political or religious.
The NCCE Deputy Eastern Regional Director also highlighted vote-buying and hiring of thugs as causes of mayhem, and this disrupts political activities and can have severe consequences for the country.
