Dormaa East NCCE Criticizes NPP and NDC Candidates for Missing Parliamentary Debate.

DORMAA EAST: Mr Emmanuel Hinneh, Dormaa East District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has expressed concern over the absence of Parliamentary Candidates (PC) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at a recent parliamentary debate.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Hinneh described the candidates' non-attendance as unfortunate and detrimental to the democratic process. He informed the disappointed audience that the Commission had formally invited all candidates and even followed up with the constituency offices of both parties, yet the NPP and NDC PCs did not participate in the debate held in Wamfie, the district capital.Mr Hinneh noted that neither Mr Paul Twum Barimah of the NPP nor Madam Rachael Amma Owusu of the NDC, nor their constituency offices, provided explanations for their absence. In contrast, Mr Emmanuel Twih Gyabaah, an Independent PC, was present at the debate, which aimed to offer a platform for candidates to present th eir visions, enabling voters to make informed decisions for the December 7 elections.Mr Hinneh emphasized the importance of participation in such debates for nurturing Ghana's democracy, asserting that PCs should prioritize the interests of their constituents in parliament over personal agendas. He mentioned that the NCCE annually conducts research on constituents' concerns, which informs the topics of these debates. The debates typically cover crucial issues such as education, health, infrastructure development, the economy, and agriculture.Mr Peter Gyesi, the Deputy Bono Regional Director of NCCE, reminded the audience that only individuals aged 18 and above are eligible to register and vote in the General Election, urging all registered voters to exercise their civic rights. He highlighted Ghana's status as a multi-party democratic state and called for political tolerance to ensure a peaceful Election 2024, thereby consolidating the nation's democratic progress.Addressing a question on addressing tee nage pregnancy, Mr Gyabaah, the Independent PC, advocated for a collaborative approach involving stakeholders such as religious leaders, parents, and teachers. He also expressed concern regarding the involvement of Senior High School graduates in illegal mining activities, emphasizing the need to create more job opportunities for the youth in the area.