By Michael Armah
Donkorkrom (E/R), Nov. 30, GNA – Voters in the Kwahu Afram North District in the Eastern Region, have been cautioned against being influenced by money splashing politicians as the December 7th general elections approaches.
They have been told to equally avoid all forms of trouble and violence as Ghanaians go to the polls next Saturday to elect a president and 275 lawmakers for the ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
The call came as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Kwahu Afram North District started its Inter-Faith based engagements at Donkorkrom.
Mr James Agrona, the District Director of the Commission, addressing the congregation of the Church of Pentecost at Donkorkrom advised the electorate to exercise their franchise devoid of monetary influence but rather on issues of development.
He said the constitution of the country frowns on vote buying to influence the outcome of elections and reiterated that the ineptitude of political office holders normally led them to resort to the option of vote buying.
Mr Agrona also used the opportunity to caution against misinformation and disinformation, saying that this, if not addressed, has the potential to ignite violence.
He cautioned that the District Elections Security Task Force, shall not compromise in bringing to book all those who would especially post fake and unconfirmed results on social media and particularly Community Information Centers.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Donkorkrom, Mr Agrona intimated that the Commission shall equally visit mosques and traditional authorities to embrace the virtue of tolerance as Ghanaians are known to exhibit especially as “we head to the polls.”
He said, the Afram Plains over the years had welcomed people from diverse backgrounds and this has culminated in the peaceful coexistence in the area.
He cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used by political parties to engage in electoral violence.
He urged the people not to resort to violence as a means to address their grievances, as there were proper channels to address their concerns.
The Inter–faith engagement is a flagship programme of the NCCE that seeks to reach out to religious bodies with the message of peace, tolerance and civic responsibilities.
The focus for this year is on religious tolerance, vote buying money in politics as well as misinformation and disinformation especially as the election fast approaches.
GNA