NCCE intensifies public education in flashpoint areas
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified public education in flashpoint areas throughout the country.
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This forms part of activities to educate the general public on violence-free, transparent and peaceful political environment before, during and after the 2016 polls.
The commission is organising the nationwide workshop for political party youth activists in 40 selected flashpoint districts across the country, with financial support from the European Union.
Theme
The programme is on the theme: “Empowering the Youth to Stand Up for Ghana for a Peaceful Election 2016.”
At one of such programmes at Kadjebi in the Volta Region, the Kadjebi District Director of the NCCE, Mr Daniel Agbesi Latsu, appealed to political party leaders, agents, assigned members and supporters to accept divergent views and activities without resorting to verbal attacks, abuse or physical violence.
He said tolerance was key to the success of democracy because it helped to foster a spirit of loyalty to Ghana that was above sectional, ethnic and other loyalties.
According to him, tolerance, respect for fundamental human rights, respect for the rule of law among otherthings are the factors that ensure peaceful coexistence in homes, schools, institutions, communities and the nation as a whole.
“Tolerance is the virtue upon which competitions thrive otherwise such contests degenerate into bestiality as no acceptable rules of the game exist to guide proceedings,” he said.
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Mr Latsu, who is also a member of the Kadjebi District Election Task Force, said the 1992 Constitution acknowledges the importance of political tolerance in Ghana’s democracy and enjoins the state to “promote among the people of Ghana the culture of political tolerance” as provided in Article 35 (9).
This means that everybody: political parties, their leaders, followers or supporters should accept, understand, cope and endure the views and political activities of others, ensure fairness in activities in a manner that reduces or eliminates tension he stated.
Electoral/civil laws
The Deputy Volta Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr Patrick Cudjo Asiedu, appealed to political parties and their agents to adhere to the existing electoral and civil laws, as well as the Criminal Act, 1960 (Act 291).
Mr Asiedu said democracy was promoted within a legal context underpinned by fairness and freedom to express divergent views without hindrance.
He also called on political parties and their leaders to condemn all forms of intimidation and political violence irrespective of the perpetrators.
The Kadjebi District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Richard Hornuvo, said his outfit was prepared to maintain law and order before, during and after the polls.
He said the police would deal with those who might try to disturb the peace in the district after the polls.