The Anloga District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has constituted an Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) to spearhead activities towards a free, fair and peaceful elections in the District.
The meeting, held at the Anloga District Assembly Hall, was aimed at deliberating on matters that bother on having free, fair, transparent, issue-based, and violence-free elections during and after the December polls.
Superintendent of Police, Benjamin Samani, the Anloga Divisional Police Commander, in a speech, called on attendees to desist from acts that might trigger any form of violence during the campaign period.
He further sought the support of the public in identifying possible threats to violent-free actions as well as reporting issues to them for any necessary action.
Madam Evelyn Wutor, the Anloga District Electoral Officer, who was present, explained he significance of the need for individuals to engage in electoral activities.
She highlighted the rules covering a voter during the elections, particularly on how to approach issues, and seek explanations from the returning officers in charge.
Attendees were invited from the various stakeholder groups including political party representatives, faith-based organisations, youth groups, traditional leaders, the media, people living with disability, security, Ghana Police Service, EC, CHRAJ, and others.
During the engagement, a seven-member Committee was formed to spearhead activities towards the realisation of the Committee’s mandate as stipulated by the NCCE.
The Committee is chaired by Togbi Kpemini Gawu V of Whuti, with Mr Rolex Agbe Honesty Miheso, the Anlo Constituency NDC Chairman, and Mr Joseph Adranyi, Anlo Constituency NPP Chairman as deputy Chairpersons.
The Secretary slot was given to the District NCCE Director, whilst Mr Benard Worlali Awumee would serve as the Organiser, and Mr John Agbetiafa as Deputy organiser.
The Committee outlined a 10-point action plan to achieve its mandate for violence-free elections.
They would also ensure the various political parties engaged in issue-based campaigns devoid of personal attacks and insults.
Other responsibilities include, calling on the political parties to desist from monetisation during their campaigns, and the need for the Police Service to engage the general public on the Public Order Act.
The Committee would also organise activities such as peace walks and games for the political parties.
Others are seminars for media practitioners and political party communicators on the best ways to broadcast, publish, and convey political stories devoid of hate speech and misinformation.
The rest include entreating the various religious leaders to utilise part of their teaching times to preach peace at their meeting places, and several others.
There would also be Parliamentary debates for all aspiring candidates contesting within the Constituency as a fair platform for them to propagate their messages to the voters.
Togbi Kpemini Gawu V, in a closing remark, called on all stakeholders, particularly Committee members to be up to the task.
“Violence is no respecter of man, and I know none of us here wants chaos to befall us. Therefore I am calling on every one of us to get on board.”
The Inter-Party Dialogue Committee served as a unifying body that would promote peace and resolve conflicts before, during, and after the general elections.
This would also enhance political, economic, and social progress and stability as it deepened collaboration between the NCCE, EC, the Political Parties, and others.
