NCCE Organizes Inter-Party Dialogue in Gushegu to Promote Peaceful and Issue-Based Campaigning Ahead of 2024 Elections

The Gushegu Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) held an Inter-Party Dialogue on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, aimed at fostering understanding among political parties and promoting issue-based campaigning ahead of the 2024 General Elections. The dialogue, held at the Gushegu District Assembly Hall, was sponsored by the European Union (EU) under the “Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism Action in the Gushegu District of Ghana (PCVE)” project.

In his address, the Gushegu Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr Awal Abdul-Mugis, called on the constituents to avoid electoral violence and to ensure that the democratic process is peaceful, credible, and inclusive. He emphasized the importance of focusing on issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to the use of money in politics, urging political parties and stakeholders to share this message with their communities.

“Good democracy promotes development and governance. NCCE appeals to political party members, stakeholders, and the community to help combat the spread of fake news, discrimination, and marginalization in our society,” Mr. Abdul-Mugis stressed.

The Gushegu Municipal Police Commander, DSP Thomas Tulasi, echoed the need for peaceful elections, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the police, the Electoral Commission (EC), political parties, and community leaders to ensure a secure electoral process. He warned against electoral violence, citing the long-term damage it can cause to nations.

“Ghana has held elections since 1992, and we have seen the far-reaching consequences of electoral violence. It is crucial that political parties engage in peaceful competition and address grievances through legal and institutional channels,” DSP Tulasi noted.

Mr. Devine, a representative from the Gushegu Municipal Electoral Commission office, reassured participants that the EC is committed to ensuring polling staff are well-trained, neutral, and equipped to manage polling stations effectively. He added that the EC would work closely with security agencies to prevent and address any incidents of violence during the electoral process.

The dialogue session brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including security personnel, faith-based organizations, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Electoral Commission officers, traditional authorities, women’s groups, youth groups, persons with disabilities, political party representatives, and members of the Gushegu Municipal Assembly. The meeting highlighted the importance of peaceful dialogue and cooperation to ensure a smooth electoral process in Gushegu.

Source: newsalertgh