Wamfie (B/R), Nov 26, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) would on Thursday hold a parliamentary debate for aspirants of the Dormaa East constituency.
However, Mr Paul Twum Barimah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency would not partake in the NCCE debate for the aspirants
The Parliamentary aspirant, explained that he was given notice about the debate by an NCCE official last week and looking at his schedule, declined it, due to the short notice and the closeness of the time to the general elections.
“I needed to prepare for the debate but the call came on a short notice and there was nothing I can do about it. Campaign has also gathered momentum.
“I have no problem with communication and sharing ideas, talking to the people. I have been a media person before,” he said.
Mr Emmanuel Hinneh, the Dormaa East District Director of the NCCE said this at Dormaa East District of the Bono Region, at the sidelines of a meeting to inaugurate an Inter Party Dialogue Committee held at the Methodist Church in Wamfie.
The meeting discussed Article 35 (9) of the 1992 Constitution and SDG16 to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
He urged the committee members to educate others on the various topics discussed at meeting which included citizenship, the rights and responsibilities of citizens before, during and after the elections.
Mr Hinneh said some outreach and sensitisation programmes on the elections have also been held at some churches in the area.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Francis Akwasi Asante, who is the Dormaa East District Police Commander advised political party agents to desist from giving directions to the security personnel who would be deployed to maintain law and order during the polls.
He urged party agents to seek clarification on issues pertaining to the elections from officials of the Electoral Commission, adding that, “only the Presiding Officer or a Returning Officer can instruct Police men at the polling stations”.
He advised political parties to appoint credible and trusted polling agents who are knowledgeable and can closely follow the electioneering process at the polls. “We must not allow this to divide us and create deep-seated enmity between groups,” he added.
DSP Francis Akwasi Asante warned that individuals who attempted to privately mobilise ‘macho men’, vigilantes and body guards to storm polling stations and cause mayhem will be made to face the law.
Nana Appiah Kubi Frimpong, the Dormaa East District Electoral Officer, underscored the need for political party activists to ensure that peace prevailed during the polls “where there was violence, confusion and mayhem this turned to scare and disenfranchise voters and curtailed their rights to vote”.
Mr Moses Adomako, the Chairman of the Committee, expressed optimism that the upcoming elections will be violence-free considering the level of preparation, efforts and commitment stakeholders have put in towards its organisation.
GNA