The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Kwahu West Municipality has facilitated a social contract between parliamentary candidates in the Nkawkaw constituency and the local electorate.
This was achieved through a Parliamentary Candidates Dialogue held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the Ghana Baptist Church in Nkawkaw.
In his welcome address, the Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr. Owusu-Adjei Francis, emphasized that the dialogue was necessary to encourage candidates to address critical developmental issues such as education, employment, health, infrastructure, the economy, and agriculture.
He noted that the event aimed to minimize personal attacks among political opponents, thereby helping voters make informed decisions ahead of the December 7, 2024, general elections.
Representing the traditional authorities, Nana Boadi Wadie, the Ankobeahene of Nkawkaw and a retired officer of the Ghana Police Service, shared insights from his experiences in war-torn countries.
He urged politicians to safeguard the peace that Ghana currently enjoys.
The dialogue featured participation from parliamentary candidates Frederick Somuah Obeng of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Benjamin K.A. Larwoey of the New Force Party. Joseph Frempong, the candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was unable to attend.
The Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, Madam Ophilia Ankrah, and her deputy, Mr. Augustin Bosrotsi, were also in attendance, along with traditional leaders, members of the clergy, imams, market queens, representatives from associations for the disabled, youth groups, and other civil society organizations.
The event provided candidates with a platform to present their policies and programs on various topics, including education, employment, and health. Vulnerable groups such as women, the youth, and persons with disabilities were given opportunities to ask questions that addressed their welfare and development.
The parliamentary candidates used the occasion to outline their policies and appeal for votes. They also advocated for peaceful campaigning and voting, urging their supporters to maintain peace throughout the election period and beyond.
The event enabled voters to gain insights into the policies and plans of the candidates, providing a basis for informed decision-making in the upcoming elections.