The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) office in the Ga Central Municipality has held an Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting to deliberate on the upcoming district-level elections.
The meeting was attended by political party executives, religious leaders, security agencies, the Electoral Commission, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), People with Disabilities, youth and women groupings, as well as the Municipal Chief Executive and Coordinating Director of the Ga Central Municipal Assembly.
Ms. Mary Dagbah, the NCCE Ga Central Municipal Director, said in a welcome address that the meeting was to deepen the existing collaboration between NCCE and its stakeholders—the political parties, youth, security agencies, district assemblies, traditional authorities, civil society, and community leaders—to ensure peaceful security in the municipality.
Ms. Dagbah said the objective of the committee meeting was to build a unifying body that could promote peace and resolve conflicts before, during, and after the 2023 district-level elections to enhance socio-political issues, economic stability, and stability in the municipality.
The committee, she stated, would also provide an effective platform for key stakeholders to engage with various political parties and to provide effective strategies aimed at achieving a free, fair, and peaceful election.
She added that the committee shall also monitor the behaviour of the electorate and supporters of political parties who are often used by the parties to commit electoral offences.
Mr. Mohammed Bashiru Kamara, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ga Central, said the committee must pay attention to the numerous causes of conflicts, indicating that the major causes were religious misunderstandings and that it was important that Muslims and Christians understood each other and coexisted as they both serve one God.
He further called for tolerance among the people, saying that irrespective of their ethnic background, they must tolerate one another as Ghanaians are one people with a common destiny.
He said another major cause of conflicts was politics, saying this must be given a critical look since it could destroy a nation just as it happened in Rwanda some time ago.
He also emphasised good governance and natural justice, which he said were very important in ensuring peace in the country.
Nana Esi Dadzie, the Electoral Commission Officer for Ga Central, gave the assurance that her outfit was working hand in hand with the various stakeholders to ensure peaceful district-level elections.
On his part, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pascal Vormawor from the Anyaa police station said the security agencies were putting in efforts to maintain peace before, during, and after elections and therefore encouraged the NCCE to intensify education on the importance of peace and other national issues to the citizens.
GNA