Abuakwa North NCCE and IPDC Launch Inter-Faith Program to Promote Peaceful Elections in December 2024

Abuakwa North, Eastern Region, Ghana – In a bid to foster peaceful elections in the upcoming December 7th general elections, the Abuakwa North National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has partnered with the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) to conduct an inter-faith program aimed at educating and sensitizing the community. The initiative, which brought together leaders and members from various religious backgrounds, aimed to encourage peace, tolerance, and civic responsibility before, during, and after the elections.

The three-day program commenced on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Akyem New Tafo Central Mosque, with activities culminating on November 3 at the Prince of Peace Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Throughout the program, IPDC representatives and NCCE officials reached out to a wide range of religious institutions in the Abuakwa North constituency, engaging congregants on the importance of peaceful and transparent elections.

The participating churches included:

1. SDA Central Church, Osiem

2. SDA Wonders of the Past, Osiem

3. SDA King of Kings, Osiem

4. True Faith Church, Osiem

5. SDA Central Church, Kukurantumi

6. Voice of the Lord Tabernacle Church, New Tafo

7. Presbyterian Church, Old Tafo

8. AME Zion Church, Old Tafo

9. Assemblies of God Church, Old Tafo

10. Methodist Church, Osiem.

The inter-faith program focused on four key topics:

1. Money in Politics: NCCE and IPDC representatives addressed the issue of money's influence in politics, encouraging transparency and integrity among voters and candidates. They highlighted the negative impact of vote-buying and other monetary influences, urging community members to base their choices on values and policies rather than financial incentives.

2. Misinformation and Disinformation: Recognizing the role of information in shaping public perception, the group educated participants on the dangers of misinformation and disinformation. They shared strategies for identifying and countering false or provocative information that could sow discord or incite violence, stressing the need to verify facts before sharing.

3. Religious Tolerance: Given the diverse religious composition of the constituency, the program emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding across religious groups. By promoting interfaith harmony, the NCCE and IPDC aim to prevent religious tensions that could spill over into the election season, ensuring a united front for a peaceful election process.

4. Electoral Violence: A significant aspect of the discussions focused on the importance of non-violence. Participants were encouraged to approach the election with a commitment to peace and to resolve any differences through dialogue and lawful means. The committee highlighted the dangers electoral violence poses to individuals and communities alike.

The Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) is composed of representatives from various sectors, including religious organizations, traditional councils, the Electoral Commission, political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and youth organizations. This broad representation enables the IPDC to address electoral issues from multiple perspectives, promote tolerance, and work proactively to prevent conflicts that may arise during the election period.

In addition to promoting peaceful elections, the IPDC provides a platform for stakeholders to address electoral concerns, diffuse tensions, and resolve potential conflicts throughout the election year. This interfaith outreach initiative represents the committee's ongoing commitment to creating a stable and harmonious election environment in Abuakwa North, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to secure a peaceful and transparent electoral process for all.

Source: mightynews360