Star Ghana Foundation Forum Advocates Active Voter Participation in Elections.

Accra: In collaboration with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and International Child Development Programme (ICDP) Ghana, has convened a forum aimed at enhancing democratic practices and fostering active citizen participation in governance. Dubbed 'The People's Forum,' the advocacy initiative sought to ensure that voters are well-informed and engaged as the country prepares for the upcoming general elections on December 7.According to Ghana News Agency, the forum brought together representatives from various political parties, security services, the Electoral Commission, civil society organizations, the clergy, and groups representing people living with disabilities and artisans. In a welcome address, Madam Joyce Larnyoh, Country Director for the International Child Development Programme, highlighted the importance of engaging citizens in the electoral process.She stated that, in alignment with their governance strategy, it was intended to foster interest in voting and empower citizens to hold elected officials accountable for their promises and commitments during their tenure. 'The People's Forum is an essential step in awakening civic consciousness and ensuring that our leaders are responsive and responsible to the needs of their constituents,' she said.Madam Larnyoh highlighted that political parties often visited electorates with appealing promises to secure votes, only for many to forget these pledges until the next election. Sadly, these commitments are frequently overlooked, hindering the development of social amenities and the national economy. According to data from the ICDP, there is significant voter apathy, with many communities remaining underdeveloped.In response, Star Ghana and its partners have launched the 'Every Voice Counts' initiative to engage citizens and emphasize the importance of voting. She urged voters to hold politicians accountable for their manifestos, insisting that duty bearers should deliver on their promises within specified timeframes.Madam Afua Kwan kyiwa, an officer from the Electoral Commission at the Akuapem South District Office, commended this initiative and called for issue-based campaigning. She reassured the public of the Electoral Commission's professionalism and confirmed that voting materials were being distributed for a smooth electoral process.Chief Inspector Gabriel Bennie, Station Officer, Kitase, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during elections and urged citizens to voice their concerns through appropriate channels rather than resorting to violence. He reminded everyone that participating in elections was a civic responsibility and encouraged a calm and fair approach, as only one candidate can win a seat.In an open forum, Naomi Oppong, a young woman living with a disability, remarked that many persons with disabilities (PWDs) avoided voting because the Electoral Commission had not implemented favorable measures to enable them to exercise their right to vote. She emphasized that the EC should establish a proper mechanism to ensure that they feel included and not neglected.Ms. Awura Abena, a seamstress, noted that a programme of this significance should have been organised earlier. She suggested that, in the future, it should take place in an open space, such as a lorry park or marketplace, to allow ordinary citizens to attend. She explained that voting was not just for the elite or middle class, but for everyone.