PEACE CONCERT: INCREASING PARTICIPATION IN THE 2023 DISTRICT LEVEL ELECTIONS

As part of the NCCE Tano South office's effort to stir up interest and increase participation in the upcoming District Level Elections, the office collaborated with Bechem Union Choir(comprising of Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian church choirs) and the Tano South Municipal Assembly to hold a peace concert on the theme increasing participation in the 2023 district level elections for eight electoral areas within the Bechem township namely Community Centre, Adum, Krotia, Toronto Burkina, Nkwantaso, Ahenbronoso, Atekyem And Zongo Low-cost. The event was held at the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Bechem and was heavily attended by assembly and unit committee members, incumbent and aspirants as well as appointees.

Also in attendance was the media, faith-based organizations such as the Local Council of Churches and the Muslim community, Identifiable groups such as Persons with Disability Association (PWDs), artisan groups such as hairdressers and tailors, market women as well as the general public. The various choirs also took turns to grace the occasion with melodious patriotic songs.

The event was chaired by the Chairman of the Local Council of Churches as well as the Municipal Police Commander, the Bechem Traditional Council, and the Municipal Chief Executive.

Madam Czarina Akua Enyo Fiawotso gave the welcome address. She intimated that the euphoria in general elections is absent when it comes to the DLEs. Thus, by far, while the turnout for the general election has been about 70% plus of registered voters, the highest turnout recorded for the DLEs is about 42% and therefore the forum was necessary and timely to garner interest and improve participation in decision-making process.

The Municipal Police Commander, DSP Peter Daniel Gadzekpe urged the aspirants to approach their campaign with decorum and cautioned the general public to be vigilant and circumspect of persons who would want to disrupt the elections. He further stressed that even though the district level elections is relatively peaceful, we need to play our part as responsible and disciplined citizens to continue to enjoy peaceful elections. He advised the general public to cast their vote and go home or to the business for the day and can return when polls are closed to witness the counting and declaration of results. He went on to advise the electorates not to intimidate each other and refrain from teasing and making uncomplimentary remarks about aspirants who lost.

The Ankobiahene, who represented the Bechem Traditional Council Nana Addai Asubonteng graced the occasion and encouraged the public to be patriotic and participate in the district level elections as they form a critical part of building our democracy. He reiterated that voting is both a civic right and responsibility and this right bestows on us the responsibility to choose persons who can foster the development agenda of our locality. He echoed the words of the song ‘Yen Ara Asaase’ to remind the public of their heritage as Ghanaian citizens and their duty to protect mother Ghana and ensure peace at all costs.

The representative of the MCE, Mr. Nicholas Opoku Agyemang reminded the public that democracy starts at the grassroots and the Assembly and Unit Committee Members as well as the District Chiefs Executives are closer to the people in our communities than the President and his Ministers, the need for the public to take active part in the district level elections and vote for aspirants whom they believe have the welfare of their various communities at heart who will exhibit total dedication and commitment the position requires.

He reminded all present that without a selfless passion to serve our people, the work of the assembly and unit committee would not yield the needed results as there is not much financial gratification especially since sources of internally generated funds are inadequate to cater for some of the development projects that are much needed. He therefore urged all aspirants the best of luck in the contest and encouraged the general public to actively participate by voting for persons they deem fit to assist the assembly in its development agenda.

The chairman of the Local Council of Churches, Rev. James C. Oduro who served as the chair for the occasion concluded by commending the various speakers and urged all present to put in practice all that had been said as well as encouraged everyone to promote peace among the people in the Municipality just as it has been demonstrated in time past for a successful district level elections. He further encouraged us to pray for our leaders as the bible teaches in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. The Chairman of Bechem Union Choir Mr. John Dadzie, presiding member also thanked all who made time to attend the peace concert.