NCCE Chairperson Urges Churches to Lead Election Harmony Efforts.

Accra: Madam Kathleen Addy, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has urged faith-based organizations to unite in faith and be peace ambassadors for the 2024 general elections. She emphasized the crucial role religious bodies play in ensuring peaceful elections, urging them to act as agents of peace before, during, and after the elections.According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Addy made these remarks during her visit to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Mary Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Municipality. She was accompanied by Ms. Gloria A. Kudo, NCCE's Greater Accra Deputy Regional Director, Mr. Edem Afeeva, the NCCE's Ayawaso West Municipal Director, and additional staff of the Commission.Madam Addy highlighted that information from various sources indicated the creeping of religious intolerance into some societies, which could escalate tension and conflict among religious groups. She stressed the importance of mitigating these ri sks to promote peaceful coexistence.Additionally, the NCCE chairperson stressed the importance for Ghanaians to obtain election news from credible sources to prevent fear and panic during the election period. She noted that fake news can have devastating effects on elections by eroding people's confidence in the electoral process. She encouraged the use of the internet to improve lives rather than promote negative activities.Furthermore, Madam Addy urged Ghanaians not to compromise their rights by selling their votes, cautioning that politicians who buy votes will likely reclaim their money from the state's resources, depriving citizens of development.She condemned the use of violence and intemperate language, calling on all societal segments to oppose such behavior. She warned against allowing disruptive individuals within social groups to impact society negatively.Madam Addy also mentioned that the NCCE, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the National Media Com mission (NMC) are independent governance institutions mandated to play critical roles in the Fourth Republic. She reiterated the commission's commitment to educating Ghanaians on good governance and civic issues.