The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Asokore Mampong Municipality has appealed for early release of funds to enable it commence elections sensitization and peace campaigns.
The municipal finds itself within the Asawase Constituency which remains on the list of the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Police Service as a hotspot for potential electoral violence.
Historic brawls between the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party in the constituency have left memories of vandalism, destruction to property, injuries and deaths.
The Asokore Mampong Municipal Director of the NCCE Matthew Agbenu made the call speaking to Ultimate/Starr News on the sidelines of a media engagement held by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) on the theme, “Countering hate speech and polarizing narratives to foster democratic consolidation and peace in Ghana.
He expressed fear, any delays in releasing funds could hinder the commissions ability to defuse electoral tensions before the December 7 general election.
“The government is aware of the issues here already and they know the urgency of the situation. The more we delay in any of these will affect the general election,” he told reporter Ivan Heathcote – Fumador.
He indicated that the timely release of the resources would give his office enough space to create the needed peace building sensitization and a congenial environment for peaceful elections before Election Day.
“People should be educated on tolerance and the elections itself. If you delay, the education is also delayed. So Government should do whatever it can within their powers to let us move unto the grounds to do the work as early as possible,” Matthew Agbenu appealed.
He however indicated that the NCCE had done its best educating and encouraging people in the Asokore Mampong Municipality to partake in the limited voter registration exercise.
Mr. Agbenu further gave assurances, his outfit is in close ties with the Electoral Commission as the EC rolls out its calendar activities including the voter ID replacement and voter transfer exercises and the register exhibition.
By: Ivan Heathcote – Fumador
