By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Nov 17, GNA – The Ho Central Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised a parliamentary dialogue and debate for candidates contesting in the Ho Constituency in the upcoming elections.
However, Mr Edem Kofi Kpotosu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, and the candidate from the National Democratic Party (NDP) were notably absent, despite assurances of their participation.
The event was to provide a platform for parliamentary candidates to present their policies and vision for the constituency.
Only Mr Divine RK Bosson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mr Mawulorm Kwami Klutse, an Independent Candidate, were present and participated in the exercise.
Mr Vincent Adzika, the NCCE Director in Ho, expressed disappointment over the absence of the NDC and NDP candidates. He emphasized that invitations had been sent well in advance, and the candidates had assured the Commission of their participation.
In an interview with the GNA, Mr Adzika remarked that the absence of the two candidates did not derail the programme noting that the candidates who made themselves available had the chance to share their policies and engage with the electorate.
He suggested that the failure of the absent candidates to attend might indicate an inability to be accountable to the constituents.
“If they cannot face the constituents now, how will they give an account if they are elected as Members of Parliament?” he questioned.
Despite the absence of the candidates, several party executives were present. The NDC constituency chairperson, campaign coordinator, and other party members attended the event, as did the Volta Regional Chairman of the NDP.
The party executives failed to go on record for the absence of Mr Kpotosu and the NDP candidate.
The debate featured five sections, including self-introductions, responses to questions from the audience, and discussions on key issues. The topics covered included: Education, Entrepreneurship and Job Creation, Health, and Creative Arts Industry.
Mr. Bright Kwabla Agbodeka, a member of the NCCE Commission and the Special Guest of Honour, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building.
He highlighted the theme, “Together, We Can Build Ghana — So Get Involved,” urging all stakeholders to play their part in creating a better Ghana.
“Ghana has enjoyed relative peace since 1992, and as we approach another election, it is crucial to maintain that peace,” he stated.
Lawyer Andrews Adugu, a Senior State Attorney at the Attorney General’s Department, served as the moderator for the debate and commended the two participating candidates for stepping forward to engage with the community and present their plans for the constituency.
“I appreciate the courage and dedication shown by these two candidates. I urge them to be good leaders if elected and to collaborate with traditional authorities, respecting the cultural values of the people,” Lawyer Adugu said.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Isaac Benuyenah, Chairman of the Ho Central IPDC, who also chaired the event, advised the candidates to uphold peace before, during, and after the elections. He emphasised the importance of a peaceful electoral process for the development of Ho Central.
Both Mr. Divine RK Bosson and Mr. Mawulorm Kwami Klutse pledged to ensure that peace prevails in the constituency throughout the election period.
The debate concluded with applause from the audience, who appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates. The event was attended by chiefs and queen mothers, community leaders, civil society representatives, and a cross-section of residents from the Ho Central Constituency.
GNA