The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has commenced the 2024 Parliamentary Candidates’ Dialogues across all 275 constituencies in Ghana.
The initiative aims to enhance civic engagement and promote peaceful, issue-based elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Madam Kathleen Addy emphasised the importance of these dialogues, describing them as a vital platform for fostering informed electorates.
“These dialogues are part of our commitment to deepening democratic governance by creating avenues for parliamentary candidates to engage directly with their constituents on issues that matter most,” she stated.
The dialogues, held in collaboration with Inter-Party Dialogue Committees are structured around findings from the NCCE’s “Matters of Concern to the Ghanaian Voter” report.
The report, derived from a nationwide survey, highlights voters’ top priorities and forms the basis for the discussions.
“This year, our focus is on the six priority issues identified by voters. These dialogues empower citizens to ask critical questions, seek clarity on campaign promises and make informed choices, Madam Addy explained.
She also highlighted the opportunity these forums provide for candidates to present their policies while reinforcing their roles as legislators and advocates.
“Parliamentarians are primarily lawmakers, not agents of development. Their mandate is to represent the needs of their constituents and ensure these needs are addressed in governance,”she noted.
While the NCCE applauded the participation of candidates from the major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as well as other parties and independents, Madam Addy expressed concern over some candidates’ refusal to engage.
“Regrettably, a number of parliamentary candidates have declined to participate, citing various excuses. This is unfortunate, as these dialogues are a critical tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and peaceful elections,” she lamented.
She called on political parties to ensure their candidates actively participate in these engagements.
“We urge all political parties to demonstrate their commitment to democracy by allowing their candidates to freely engage in these dialogues, she added.
In addition to the dialogues, the NCCE is implementing several other activities to promote peace and tolerance during the election period. These include interfaith dialogues, peace walks, and creative campaigns like mobile announcements and human billboards.
Madam Addy explained, “Our interfaith initiatives bring people of diverse backgrounds together, emphasising that peace is a collective responsibility. Through activities like dance campaigns and youth forums, we are reaching citizens in innovative ways to encourage peaceful participation in the electoral process.”
The Chairperson underscored the role of the dialogues in strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions by fostering mutual respect among candidates.
“These dialogues showcase democracy in action – candidates sharing platforms, discussing ideas without insults or threats. This sets an example for young people and reinforces that violence and intolerance have no place in our democracy,”she remarked.
She reiterated the NCCE’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, fair, and issue-based elections.
