Weija-Gbawe NCCE Organizes Cinema Event to Advocate for Peaceful Elections
Publisher November 28, 2024 0
The Weija-Gbawe Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) recently organized a cinema show to promote peaceful elections and raise awareness about the importance of responsible voting. Held in the Tetegu community within the Weija-Gbawe Municipality of Accra, the event aimed to educate local voters about the destructive consequences of election-related violence. Through the screening of documentaries, the audience was exposed to real-life conflicts, including those from Sierra Leone and South Sudan, where electoral violence led to the loss of innocent lives and severely impacted the countries’ democratic processes.
Mr. Wisdom Ofori Ntsomai, the Municipal Director of NCCE for Weija-Gbawe, addressed the attendees, emphasizing that electoral violence not only leads to physical destruction but also denies individuals their basic rights, such as the ability to live peacefully. He elaborated on common triggers of violence during elections, including the wearing of political party T-shirts at polling stations, the consumption of alcohol, carrying weapons, campaigning too close to polling stations, and engaging in provocative behavior such as taunting others during celebrations. These actions, Mr. Ntsomai explained, can escalate tensions and disrupt the entire electoral process, creating an environment of fear and distrust.
In his remarks, Mr. Ntsomai called for citizens to engage in the electoral process responsibly, ensuring that Ghana’s elections remain peaceful, free, fair, and transparent. He urged voters to recognize the importance of maintaining peace throughout the election period and to avoid actions that could undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
The NCCE event also provided an opportunity to educate the public on various aspects of the voting process. Mr. Ntsomai took time to explain how to properly handle ballot papers to ensure that votes are not spoiled or rejected. He advised the electorate to pay attention to details such as the inclusion of serial numbers, the official EC stamp, and the condition of the ballot papers before submitting them. If a ballot paper is damaged, ink-spilled, or lacks the necessary information, voters were encouraged to return the paper to Election Commission (EC) officials for a replacement. This measure would ensure that their votes are counted and that the election results reflect the true will of the people.
In addition to voting guidelines, Mr. Ntsomai addressed the ongoing issue of misinformation and the spread of fake news, particularly on social media platforms. He warned voters about the potential dangers of unverified information, rumors, and hate speech, which can undermine the election process by spreading confusion and distrust. Mr. Ntsomai urged the public to be cautious and critical of the information they encounter, advising them to verify the credibility of sources before acting upon or disseminating any news.
Another critical point raised during the event was the issue of vote buying, which Mr. Ntsomai condemned in the strongest terms. He reminded the public that vote buying is illegal and unethical, and it distorts the democratic process. He stressed that elections should not be about monetary incentives or personal favors but should instead focus on the policies and programs that benefit the people and the nation as a whole. “Vote buying is prohibited. Voting should be based on policies and programmes that seek to enhance the welfare of the people,” he emphasized. Mr. Ntsomai’s message underscored the importance of making informed choices at the polls, focusing on candidates who put forward concrete, actionable policies rather than those offering financial rewards.
This cinema show, organized by the Weija-Gbawe NCCE, was an important step toward educating the electorate, particularly in the local community, about their role in ensuring a peaceful and fair election process. It reinforced the need for responsible civic participation, urging the public to reject violence, avoid spreading misinformation, and refrain from unethical practices such as vote buying. By using the cinema show as a medium, the NCCE was able to engage the community in an impactful way, making the message both memorable and accessible to a wide audience.
The event also contributed to the broader effort of ensuring that Ghana’s upcoming elections remain peaceful and free from violence, misinformation, and corruption. With elections fast approaching, such initiatives play a critical role in promoting awareness and encouraging the public to make responsible, informed decisions at the polls.