Governance

Mampong NCCE Holds Parliamentary Dialogue Despite Absence of Major Party Candidates.

MAMPONG: The Mampong Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has successfully conducted its 2024 parliamentary candidates' dialogue, even in the absence of candidates from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both candidates had previously committed to participating but did not attend the event.According to Ghana News Agency, the NCCE proceeded with the program as planned, featuring Mr. Peter Abum Sarkodie, an independent candidate who attended the event. Mr. Sarkodie, a former Member of Parliament under the NPP, is campaigning to return to parliament as an independent candidate. The NCCE provided him the platform to discuss his vision for transforming the constituency, focusing on issues identified by voters as priorities, including education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, economy, and employment.Mr. Sarkodie took the opportunity to appeal to the electorate for their support, highlighting his past achievements as an MP. He em phasized his contributions to health, education, water and sanitation, roads, and agriculture, while pledging to improve upon these efforts if elected. He argued that as an independent candidate, he could better prioritize the interests of constituents over party agendas.Mr. Samuel Kwasi Otchere, the Municipal Director of NCCE, noted that the dialogue was designed to facilitate interaction between the electorate and candidates, allowing voters to ask questions and make informed decisions come December 7. The aim was to strengthen participatory democracy by presenting leaders for public scrutiny.Rev. Kwadwo Amoako Wiredu, Chairperson of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, urged the media to practice responsible journalism and avoid sensationalism to preserve national peace. Deputy Superintendent of Police Ishmael Adjei warned that law enforcement would act decisively against any disturbances before, during, and after the election.