Kenyasi NCCE Inaugurates Inter Party Dialogue Committee

The Asutifi North National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Brong Ahafo Region has inaugurated an Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) in Kenyasi in a move to deepen trust among political parties and stakeholders as well as to encourage issue-based campaigns in this year’s election.

The new committee, seeking to quell any election related violence and facilitate peaceful polls in December, has Apostle Rev. Dr. Peter Peprah as its chairman, representatives of political parties, civil society groups, the clergy, security agencies, youth groups, teachers and heads of departments with the District Director of NCCE as Secretary.

The two major political parties, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were fully represented and pledged their desire for the country to have a transparent electoral process.

A Deputy Regional Director of NCCE in the region, Mr. Issahaka Zitor said Ghanaians ought to appreciate the uninterrupted democracy governance which began when the country returned to constitutional rule in 1992 which mandates Ghanaians to cast their votes to elect people to govern.

He stated elections were conducted to benefit electorates, political parties, the EC and the state through development projects that will be executed and therefore urged the stakeholders to strive to keep Ghana’s democracy on its right path.

He noted political parties have the right to explain their ideologies as well as canvass for votes from electorates but however cautioned such activity be conducted in civil manner devoid of insults and use of intemperate, provocative and abusive language.

The NCCE Deputy Director appealed to the committee to rise to the occasion and adhere strictly to issues and processes that promotes free, fair and non-violent conduct to and elections.

He encouraged parties in a dispute to resort legally laid down process to address their differences and advised voters from selling their conscience to politicians who come with money and gifts.

The Deputy Coordinating Director of Asutifi North, Augustine Asi for his cautioned the political parties and electoral commission (EC) foster more collaboration in information sharing as lack of adequate information leads to mistrust thereby festering unnecessary resentment that usually spark acts of violence.

He noted the EC as a referee in the political discourse should be fair and firm in the discharge of their mandate to repose the confidence that the citizenry have reposed in them.

Mr. Asi appealed to the committee to be proactive in their monitoring, information gathering and resolution of conflicts and ensure all stakeholders abide by the rules and regulations that govern the conduct of elections in the country.

The District NCCE Director of Asutifi North in his welcome address, Mr. Elijah Osei Kwame said formation of the committee formed part of the NCCE's project initiated to focus on mediation and resolution of petty conflicts during the election period.

He said political intolerance was the major cause of violence in the country and appealed to members of the committee to intensify education on tolerance and issues likely to trigger electoral conflicts in the area.