Dr Edward Mahama commends IEA
The 2016 flag bearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama, has commended the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for promoting democracy through engagements and consultations with all political parties and stakeholders.
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Dr Mahama gave an assurance that the PNC would continue to work with the institute, other political parties and all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in the country.
He described the 2016 election as crucial due to issues that had emerged and continued to do so, especially the violence associated with the limited voters registration exercise.
Dr Mahama was speaking during an encounter with the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) last Friday to streamline the modalities, time, venue and other relevant issues pertaining to the proposed presidential and vice-presidential debates.
Continuous dialogue
The Executive Director of the IEA, Mrs Jean Mensah, gave an assurance that the IEA would continue to dialogue with the political parties to deepen democracy in the country.
Mrs Mensah said it had never been the intention of the IEA to discriminate against or disrespect the smaller political parties but to help and nurture them to grow and play their key roles in consolidating democracy in the country.
The Media Coordinator of the PNC, Mr Dela Tengey, called on the IEA to continue to give the smaller political parties exposure and help them to build their capacities in good governance and accountability.
A Fellow of the IEA and lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Dr Emmanuel Gyampoh, said since 2000 the IEA had been launching its programmes before engaging the political parties to address their concerns.
Dr Gyampoh described as unfortunate, the misinterpretation by a section of the media and some political parties that the IEA’s intention was malicious and aimed at sidelining the smaller political parties.
He said the 2016 election was unique, since there was a new Chairperson for the Electoral Commission (EC).
The previous six elections were conducted under the chairmanship of Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, the immediate past EC Chair.