Bolgatanga: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with the Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment Ghana (RISE-Ghana), recently organized a dialogue session for parliamentary candidates in the Bolgatanga Central constituency of the Upper East Region. This event brought together Mr. Isaac Adongo, the incumbent Member of Parliament and candidate for the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Elvis Figo Awonekai, candidate for the New Patriotic Party, and Mr. Peter Akunlibe, candidate for the People’s National Congress, along with other stakeholders.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative was part of NCCE’s efforts to promote social cohesion and ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the December 7, 2024, elections. It also aligned with RISE-Ghana’s Democracy 360 project, in partnership with the Star-Ghana Foundation and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). The dialogue aimed to provide a platform for candidates to present their party visions, comm
it to non-violence, and engage in issue-based campaigns, thereby enabling stakeholders to make informed electoral decisions.
Mr. Jafaru Alsadiq Omar, the Bolgatanga Municipal Director of the NCCE, highlighted that the session was influenced by the commission’s recent research, which identified key issues voters want addressed in party manifestos. By facilitating this engagement, the NCCE seeks to empower voters to make informed choices based on candidates’ commitments.
Alhaji Awal Ahmed Kariama, Executive Director of RISE-Ghana, emphasized the importance of continuing to track candidates’ policy promises beyond the elections. He stressed that these commitments, viewed as societal contracts, should serve as a basis for holding elected officials accountable.
Sheik Abu-Bakr Sadiq Rahman, Chairman of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, reiterated the significance of peace for national development and urged political actors to avoid actions that might compromise the country’s stability.
During the session, Mr.
Isaac Adongo expressed his dedication to peaceful elections and outlined his plans, including establishing a teacher training college and improving educational infrastructure if the NDC is elected. Mr. Elvis Figo Awonekai of the NPP detailed his contributions and future plans for educational and infrastructural development. Meanwhile, Mr. Peter Akunlibe of the PNC focused on women’s empowerment, addressing educational infrastructure deficits, and facilitating youth employment opportunities.