By Emelia B. Addae
Kade (E/R), Dec. 29 – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) have organized a Parliamentary Candidate Dialogue in Kwaebibirem, attracting over 130 attendees, including candidates, community leaders, and citizens.
The event provided a crucial platform for engaging discussions around pressing municipal issues while promoting electoral unity.
Mrs. Gertrude Adwoa Defoe, the Municipal Director of the Kwaebibirem NCCE, articulated the dialogue’s purpose as fostering peaceful engagement among candidates regarding significant issues affecting the community.
Conducted at the Church of Pentecost, M.K. Yeboah Auditorium in Kade, the programme featured various stakeholders, including chiefs, religious leaders, institutional representatives, and residents of the area.
Notable IPDC members in attendance included Nana Sarpong Kumankuma II, Chief of Adankrono, James Haywood-Daddie, Electoral Commission, and Evans Owusu representing the Ghana Union Movement.
Nana Kwame Karikari, the NCCE Eastern Regional Representative, delivered a compelling speech underscoring the importance of the country’s constitution and presidential and parliamentary elections.
He raised awareness of critical issues such as the monetization of politics, cautioning that financial influence could incite violence among candidates unable to compete financially.
He highlighted the dangers of disinformation and misinformation, emphasizing the necessity of unity and encouraging citizens to withstand divisive politics and tribalism.
The event also celebrated Ghana’s cultural heritage, with a performance by the Osabarimamma Cultural Troupe and a talking drum, reinforcing the message of cherishing national harmony.
Mr. Fred Owusu Akowuah, the Coordinating Director of Kwaebibirem Municipal, also spoke on the importance of peace, reflecting on global instances of electoral violence and urging attendees to prioritize love for their country.
Mr. James Haywood-Daddie, the Kwaebibirem Municipal Officer of the Electoral Commission, detailed the commission’s mandate to ensure free and fair elections for the 2024 polls.
He highlighted the three-phase electoral approach—pre-election, election, and post-election—encompassing voter registration, candidate nominations, and ballot distribution.
He stressed the necessity for citizens to report suspicious activities during voting to train electoral officials, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all, including persons with disabilities.
Mr. Samuel Aninkorah, the dialogue moderator, set forth guidelines encouraging candidates to avoid personal attacks, advocating for discussions focused on municipal challenges and solutions.
The sole candidate at the event, Mr. Kwabena Ohemeng Tinyase, addressed critical issues for Ghanaian voters, emphasizing education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure, economy, and agriculture.
He lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo’s Free SHS policy for enhancing educational access while reflecting on his contributions as an MP, including the construction of classroom blocks.
He committed to furthering educational initiatives, establishing vocational schools, and advocating for diversified employment opportunities beyond traditional white-collar jobs.
The event also featured appeals from students, including Master Gbley Kennedy Junior from KASTECH, who highlighted the dire need for a dining hall and assembly hall at their school.
Nana Sarpong Kumankuman II and Ms. Agnes Kyerewaa, a participant, both encouraged a peaceful electoral process, expressing gratitude to NCCE and IPDC and all attendees for contributing to the dialogue’s success.
GNA