By Bright Philip Donkor
As the nation inches closer to the 2024 general elections, CDS Africa (Centre for Democracy & Socio-economic Development), in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has launched a strategic engagement initiative aimed at promoting peace and civic responsibility.
The first of these sessions was held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Neoplan Station, focusing on educating market women about the crucial role they play in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
The event, dubbed “Election 2024: Market Women for Peaceful Polls,” drew dozens of market women, traders, and members of the local community, who gathered to listen and participate in the discussions. The session aimed to raise awareness about the significance of non-violence and responsible civic behavior during the elections.
Message of peace
Speaking to the Daily Statesman, Celestina Damoah, Advocacy and Public Engagement Coordinator at CDS Africa, emphasised the importance of spreading the message of peace throughout Ghana. “This programme is part of our mission to ensure that peace is well trumpeted across the corridors of the country,” she said. “It is a civic responsibility for every citizen to contribute to a peaceful and stable electoral process.”
Ms.Damoah explained that CDS Africa’s advocacy aligned with their broader mandate to promote democracy and foster socio-economic development. “We believe that market women are vital stakeholders in our communities, and empowering them with the right knowledge is key to promoting a democratic and peaceful environment,” she noted.
Ms Damoah further announced that CDS Africa was planning similar educational engagements in the coming days. “We will be holding more sessions at Dome Market and Madina Market, where we will continue to engage traders, market women, and drivers on the need for peaceful polls,” she revealed. According to her, these upcoming programmes are expected to broaden the reach of their peace advocacy, ensuring a comprehensive and community-driven approach.
High stakes
Madam Joanna Ampomah, Deputy Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has appealed to market women and all Ghanaians to uphold peace as the stakes of the upcoming 2024 general elections heighten, and political parties ramp up their campaigns nationwide.
She emphasised the need to prioritize national harmony over political allegiances. “Let’s put the interest of Ghana first above any other interest,” she urged. She underscored the importance of maintaining unity despite political differences. “Despite our party colours, the ultimate goal is that we are one and we are all fighting to make Ghana a better place. Let us use peaceful means to achieve this,” she added.
Madam Ampomah also offered advice on Election Day conduct, encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote and to return home peacefully afterward. “When it’s election day, go and vote and come back home safely,” she stated.
Addressing the issue of youth involvement in political violence, the NCCE Deputy Director advised parents to protect their children from being exploited by politicians for disruptive activities. She warned of the dire consequences for young people who become pawns in political conflicts, stressing the importance of shielding the youth from harmful influences.
She further cautioned media practitioners about the potential dangers of making premature or speculative public predictions regarding election outcomes. She noted that inaccurate or controversial forecasts could fuel tensions and even incite violence, especially if such predictions fail to materialize. She called for a collective effort to protect Ghana’s democratic processes and safeguard the nation from electoral unrest.
Appreciation
Neoplan Welfare Secretary expressed his appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging the relevance of peace in maintaining economic and social stability.
“We have learned that our voices and actions matter, and we must always choose dialogue and non-violence, especially as we prepare to vote,” he stated.
One market woman also indicated that with the 2024 elections approaching, efforts like those of CDS Africa and NCCE were critical in fostering a culture of peace and democratic participation.
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