NCCE urges Ghanaians to vote peacefully on December 7

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on all eligible voters to participate actively in Saturday's presidential and parliamentary elections. 

The Chairperson of the NCCE, Kathleen Addy said this in a statement she issued on Thursday [Dec 5, 2024]. 

She therefore encouraged all eligible voters (including Persons with Disabilities and First-time voters) to step out in their numbers and discharge their civic duties on the election day.

"The time to exercise our civic duty as citizens of Ghana is here again," she stated. 

"Our collective effort as citizens is to see to the smooth running of the elections and play active roles in promoting peaceful exercise.

"A single vote is powerful and weightier enough to make a difference. Participate and vote on December 7, 2024," she said.

She stressed the importance of citizens' participation in the elections to shape the country's future.

She said the Commission has engaged citizens through various civic education platforms, focusing on four key areas: electoral violence, religious and political tolerance, money in politics and vote buying, and misinformation.

The NCCE Chairperson urged citizens to abide by the electoral protocols and regulations, stressing that "elections have consequences, and electorates must exercise their franchise from an informed position."

She also commended the Ghana Police for their commitment to maintaining law and order during the elections.

Ms Addy emphasised the importance of Ghana's democracy, saying, "Ghana bears the torch of a true functional democracy. We cannot afford to lose this prestigious status. Let us get involved because together we can build Ghana."

She reminded the electorate to vote once and leave the  polling station after casting their ballots.

She further urged the electorate not to show up at the voting centre in political party colours.

Ms Addy also advised voters to be law-abiding at the polling station and give other voters the chance to vote.

"Don't engage in multiple voting, avoid undue influence, avoid impersonation and don't sell your vote, she said.

Ms Addy urged the media and political parties to avoid pre-empting the outcome of the elections, as the Electoral Commission reserves the sole right to declare who won what.