By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, Nov. 9, GNA – Mr. Justice Ennin, the Western Regional Director of the NCCE has called on new voters in the upcoming elections not to sell their conscience to any political party.
Rather, they should thoroughly interrogate policies and programmes in the various manifestos, and then make informed voter decision that would inure to the general development and welfare of the country.
Mr. Ennin was speaking during a voter education exercise undertaken by the GACC at the Bompeh Senior High School to ensure that Students who were first voters enhanced electoral credibility.
Ghana’s democratic progress depended on active citizen participation, especially among first-time voters, who were often vulnerable to misinformation.
The GACC in partnership with the Ghana Integrity Initiative and with support from the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, was thus implementing the project “The Youth Voice: Activating First-Time Voters for Ghana’s 2024 General Elections.”
This is to promote free, fair, and transparent elections by empowering first-time voters, fostering electoral integrity, and strengthening Ghana’s democracy through collaboration with CSOs, state institutions, and the media.
He also encouraged voters not to mass up at polling centres on voting day and as well avoid impersonation and other related electoral crimes.
Mr. Stephen Frimpong, the EC official for Essikado-Ketan constituency, educated them on the voting processes.
Mr. Essuman, the Principal Officer at CHRAJ urged them to read as Intellectuals and make the right decision “…Cast your 1st vote with integrity.”
Mr. Samuel Harrison-Cudjoe, the Programme Officer at GACC, said “If you make a mistake, do not put it in the ballot box rather go to the returning officer with it for a new sheet.”
He said the goal was to achieve free, fair, accountable, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes by empowering First-Time voters with the requisite knowledge and tools to participate meaningfully and make informed decisions during Ghana’s 2024 election.
The project covered voter education campaigns for first-time voters in tertiary institutions across 10 districts, X event (Twitter space) with the youth on the importance of credible and transparent elections and partner with relevant stakeholders (NCCE, EC, CHRAJ, etc) to undertake district-level media engagement to sensitize citizens.
“We are currently running a Social Media Campaign for first-time voters on all our social media handles,” he added.
The team earlier sensitized the general populace.
The students inquired about proxy voting, spoilt ballots, skirt and blouse voting and electronic voting among other pressing electoral issues.
GNA