By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, Nov. 22 – Miss Pearl Addo, Deputy Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has urged Ghanaians to prioritise peace during the upcoming December elections, emphasising that “one life lost is a vote lost.”
“Our goal is to ensure elections free from acrimony, bitterness, or divisive rhetoric. A peaceful election is vital for maintaining our unity as a nation. If violence erupts and lives are lost, it means votes are lost—each life represents a potential vote, regardless of political affiliation.”
Speaking at a Parliamentary Candidate Dialogue organised by the NCCE in the Ayawaso North Constituency on Tuesday, Miss Addo called for an election environment where candidates and supporters showed grace, unity, and tolerance for one another.
“We strongly believe in fostering peaceful elections—an environment where candidates show grace in both defeat and victory. The loser should exhibit gallantry, while the winner demonstrates magnanimity.”
“Peaceful elections benefit everyone. They pave the way for development and growth, while violence brings only loss and stagnation. Dialogue, not violence, is the way forward. Violence
offers no benefits; it only results in setbacks and suffering. We must take it upon ourselves to embrace peace. When elections are peaceful, the entire nation stands to gain,” she said.
The event, held as part of the NCCE’s flagship programs, aimed to promote dialogue and understanding among parliamentary candidates, stakeholders, and constituents.
It brought together key stakeholders, including Muslim and Christian clerics, political party members, market women, youth groups, Assembly members, and other community leaders, to foster unity and champion the constituency’s growth.
The gathering also provided a platform for Mr Yussif Jajah, Member of Parliament and NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso North, and Mr Ibrahim Sannie, NPP Parliamentary Candidate to connect with their supporters, highlight their achievements, and outline their visions for the constituency’s development.
The participants highlighted the need for tolerance and issue-based campaigns to foster unity and informed decision-making.
Miss Addo said the NCCE, established under the 1992 Constitution, played a critical role in promoting civic education, citizens’ rights, and responsibilities.
She said the Commission had achieved significant milestones, such as helping citizens to understand and embrace the Value Added Tax (VAT) introduced in 1995.
Miss Addo also said the NCCE’s advocacy for girl-child education had contributed to the increased enrollment of girls in schools.
Mr Elliot Yemoh Tetteh, Senior Information Officer at the Information Services Department encouraged candidates and supporters to take advantage of the event to share their visions and engage respectfully with opposing views.
He said elections should be issue-based and devoid of violence, emphasizing that tolerance and dialogue strengthen democracy.
Mr Tetteh said the dialogue included presentations of NCCE research findings on issues affecting the electorate, such as education, employment, health, infrastructure, and the economy.
He said the December 7 elections were expected to be a test of Ghana’s commitment to democracy, with the NCCE playing a pivotal role in fostering peace and unity in the electoral process.
“We, the citizens have a responsibility to vote and vote wisely, be tolerant, avoid violence and support the vision of our MP if elected,” he added.
GNA