In a recent debate for the Okere Constituency, the parliamentary candidates Prince Henry Owiredu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Joseph Kwadwo Afari-Yeboah of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) articulated their platforms and aspirations as the elections approach. Organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at the Mile 14 Apostolic Church in Asenema, the event provided a platform for candidates to discuss their party’s policies while appealing directly to voters to support their respective presidential candidates. The initiative is part of the NCCE’s broader framework aimed at enhancing civic engagement through parliamentary debates.
During the debate, Prince Henry Owiredu emphasized significant aspects of the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto, passionately encouraging constituents to support former President John Dramani Mahama as well as his candidacy for Parliament. In contrast, Joseph Kwadwo Afari-Yeboah presented his vision for the constituency and called for votes for Nana Akosua Frimpomaa as President alongside his parliamentary ambitions. Notably, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Daniel Kenneth Nana Addo, withdrew from participating in the debate, which created a more focused exchange between the two candidates present.
Audience engagement was high throughout the debate, leading attendees to urge the NCCE to organize additional candidate forums to boost political involvement and awareness in the community. The NCCE Eastern Regional Director, Ms. Ophelia Nana Yaa Ankrah, took the opportunity to vocalize her organization’s commitment to hosting similar events across all 276 constituencies. She highlighted how these platforms are essential for enabling candidates to present their policies while addressing both national and local issues relevant to voters in their constituencies.
Ms. Ankrah reinforced the significance of the NCCE’s role in fostering issue-based and peaceful campaigns during the electoral process, advocating for tolerance among candidates and their supporters. She touched on the commission’s constitutional obligation to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities, asserting that active citizen involvement is crucial for a thriving democracy. This led to the establishment of Parliamentary Candidates Debates (PCDs), designed to enhance candidate-public interaction and accountability, with plans for more debates leading up to the 2024 elections.
The debate also delved into various priority topics that the NCCE indicated would contribute to their Matters of Concern (MoC) research findings aimed at spotlighting critical voter issues. Ms. Ankrah explained that the NCCE undertakes research each election year to determine what matters most to constituents, thereby promoting an issue-based political discourse. This research, including the identification of the top six issues crucial for the upcoming elections, serves as a foundation for parliamentary debates nationwide.
The event, chaired by Nana Asamoah Doudou I, with moderation by representatives from the Church of Pentecost, registered high attendance and involvement from NCCE officials, showcasing a collective commitment to fostering an informed electorate. The debate and the NCCE’s initiatives symbolize a vital approach to strengthening democratic engagement in Ghana, ensuring that voters are not only aware of candidates’ positions but also actively participating in the electoral process as the nation gears up for the upcoming elections.
