Election 2024: Stay away from political violence - NCCE Regional Director

Mrs. Joyce Frimpong

The Head of Programs at the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Regional Office in Cape Coast, Mrs. Joyce Frimpong, has renewed calls for Ghanaians to steer clear of electoral violence, stressing its damaging impact on democracy, stability, and social cohesion.

Speaking at a forum organized by the Ajumako District NCCE office, Mrs. Frimpong emphasized that acts of violence, intimidation, and vandalism during elections undermine the legitimacy of results and erode public trust in Ghana’s political system. The event, aimed at engaging parliamentary aspirants to commit to peaceful elections, also provided a platform to educate the public on the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the polls.

The Ajumako District Director for NCCE, Mr. Anthony Ransford Coffie, highlighted the devastating consequences of electoral violence, including injuries, fatalities, destruction of property, and diminished political participation. He warned that such violence could lead to political instability, human rights violations, economic stagnation, and a breakdown of law and order, tarnishing Ghana’s international reputation.

“Electoral violence affects not only individuals but also the entire nation, stalling infrastructural and economic development,” Mr. Coffie stated, urging citizens to observe electoral rules and maintain Ghana’s hard-earned peace.

Religious and opinion leaders at the forum also raised concerns about potential threats to Ghana’s democratic process, including misinformation, fake news, hate speech, religious bigotry, corruption, and the influence of money in politics. They called on Ghanaians to safeguard the country’s democratic credentials by ensuring peaceful and credible elections.

The forum also highlighted key benchmarks for credible elections, including inclusivity, transparency, fairness, competitiveness, and accountability.

However, the absence of parliamentary aspirants, who failed to show up after hours of waiting, left the audience disappointed. Despite this, the event underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.