NCCE embarks on voter education in the Upper East Region

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has embarked on a voter education exercise in the Upper East Region to sensitise the electorate to the need for a peaceful election.

It is also to create awareness of the upcoming general election, educate the people on the voting process to reduce rejected ballots, promote inclusiveness and vote on issues. They were also educated on the need for religious and political tolerance before, during and after the elections.

The Bawku West District Programme Officer of the NCCE, Mr Laari Abass Emmanuel, told the Daily Graphic that the education was aimed at deepening the participation of marginalised groups in the democratic process.

He said the programme, which was launched in the Azaanga community, was attended by religious leaders, women, children, the aged, first-time voters and the physically challenged.

The Talensi District Director of the NCCE, Mr Omar Jafaru Alsadiq, said similar activities were held in various communities in the Talensi and Nabdam districts.

He said the targeted groups were faith-based organisations, identifiable groups, market women, members of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), artisans and students from junior and senior high schools.

He said the commission’s activities at the junior and senior high schools were primarily to educate first-time voters and also discourage minors from voting by tasking them to be peace ambassadors for the 2016 general election.

The district director said the atmosphere being created by the NCCE needed to be sustained through the collective efforts of stakeholders in the electoral process. He commended the European Union (EU) for  funding the programme.