The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) conducted a sensitization program at the Global Evangelical Church’s Victory Chapel in Ho-Fiave to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities as Ghana approaches the upcoming general election. The event featured Rev. Vincent Adzika, the NCCE Ho Municipal Director, who addressed the congregation about critical voting provisions aimed at ensuring inclusivity. Notably, the Electoral Commission has established measures to exempt vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and persons with disabilities—from experiencing long wait times at polling stations. This initiative is particularly relevant given the physical and health-related challenges faced by these groups, and it represents a broader commitment to making the electoral process accessible to all citizens.
Rev. Adzika emphasized the vital importance of the right to vote, asserting that it ranks second only to the right to life. He articulated the empowering nature of voting, highlighting its role in enabling citizens to influence various aspects of national development, including the economy, education, and health care. This focus on civic engagement underscores the necessity for citizens to understand their voting power and the potential consequences of their electoral choices. By encouraging participation in the electoral process, the NCCE aims to foster a informed electorate that can effectively advocate for their interests and contribute to national progress.
Part of Rev. Adzika’s address included a caution against the challenges that threaten electoral integrity, particularly vote buying and the dissemination of false information. He urged attendees to approach their voting decisions with discernment to preserve the democratic process. The NCCE is keen on promoting informed voting behaviors among the populace, understanding that ignorance and deception can severely undermine the electoral outcome. This encouragement for responsible voting is a critical aspect of the NCCE’s educational outreach, aiming to develop a politically conscious and informed citizenry.
The NCCE also highlighted legislative measures designed to combat election-related violence. Rev. Adzika reminded the audience of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019 (Act 999), which criminalizes acts of violence associated with elections and the formation of groups that partake in such disturbances. According to this law, individuals convicted of election-related violence face a ten-year prohibition from voting or holding public offices after serving their sentence. By informing citizens of these legal frameworks, the NCCE seeks to reinforce the need for peaceful participation in the electoral process, thereby ensuring a fair and violence-free election environment.
Echoing the sentiments of Rev. Adzika, Rev. Charles Adika, the Head Pastor of Victory Chapel, conveyed a message of peace and unity. He encouraged his congregation to uphold tranquility before, during, and after the 2024 general election, expressing confidence in Ghana’s ability to achieve a successful electoral process. His remarks emphasized the vital role of peace in maintaining the integrity of elections, which is essential for a credible democratic process. The church setting provided a platform for spiritual encouragement to complement the civic education initiatives promoted by the NCCE.
Overall, the NCCE’s sensitization program at the Global Evangelical Church serves as a vital component of the broader initiative to enhance civic awareness and encourage peaceful electoral participation among citizens. By spreading knowledge about voting rights and responsibilities, along with the importance of maintaining electoral integrity, the NCCE aims to empower citizens to engage constructively in the electoral process. This initiative is critical not only for promoting informed voting but also for fostering a commitment to a peaceful and inclusive electoral environment that ultimately shapes the direction of the nation’s future.
