Mpohor Fiase District: NCCE holds parliamentary dialogue

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), an independent and non-partisan governance institution established under Article 231 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the National Commission for Civic Education Act, 1993 (Act 452), has organized a platform for parliamentary aspirants and voters in the district to engage in dialogue about their expectations and the policies that will address them.

The NCCE's mission is to promote and sustain democracy in Ghana by educating citizens about their rights and obligations through civic education. In line with this mandate, the district directorate of NCCE brought together parliamentary candidates and the electorate to discuss key issues ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Dignitaries at the event included Chief Supt. Williams Gyamfi (District Police Commander), Nana Yaw Ankamah II (Traditional Council), Obaahemaa Adikyi II (Traditional Council), Mercy Hammond (District Director, Electoral Commission), Mr. Isaac (Deputy Procurement Director, NCCE Head Office), Mr. Justice Yaw Eninn (Regional Director, NCCE), Adelaide Narkie Adettie (District Director, NCCE), Pastor Stephen M. Akorsu (Church of Pentecost), and Festus Owusu Gyimah (Programs, NCCE, Mpohor Fiase).

The chairman for the occasion, Nana Yaw Ankamah II, urged the candidates to use the NCCE platform to run issue-based campaigns for the upcoming elections.

In her welcome address, Madam Adelaide Narkie Adettie, the district NCCE director, highlighted that the event was a reflection of NCCE's commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and unity in political and civic engagements.

She stated, “This is an opportunity to present the outcome of research conducted by the commission on the expectations of the electorate for the 2024 elections and to seek policies that will address them.” Madam Adettie also emphasized the importance of stakeholders' contributions to promoting peaceful and inclusive political discourse and urged all participants to engage constructively and uphold the values of democracy, tolerance, and national unity.

Three parliamentary aspirants are contesting in the district for the 2024 elections: Hon. John Kobina Abbam Aboah Sanie, the incumbent and deputy minister for energy, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP); Hon. Henry Godfred Bentil, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC); and Hon. Theresa Kwaw, representing the Liberal Party of Ghana.

Two of the candidates honored NCCE’s invitation to participate in the dialogue. However, Hon. Henry Godfred Bentil of the NDC declined the invitation just two hours before the event, citing directives from his party’s regional executives. Despite efforts by the organizers to encourage him to attend, he remained firm in his decision.

Mr. Benjamin Gaisie from the district education directorate served as the moderator for the program. The questions posed to the parliamentary aspirants focused on important areas such as health, education, infrastructure, governance, justice and security, agriculture, roads and rural development, and the economy.

The floor was opened for contributions from the audience, and Chief Supt. Williams Gyamfi, speaking on behalf of the District Election Task Force and the District Security Committee (DISEC), reassured attendees of the commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order during and after the elections.

He said, “A comprehensive security strategy is in place to ensure free and fair elections across the country. I urge Nananon and all citizens to play their role in maintaining the peace that Ghana currently enjoys.”

The District Police Commander also appealed to the public to provide credible and reliable information about potential security threats to ensure swift action can be taken.