The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is calling on citizens to embrace their civic duties and play an active role in the country’s democratic process in the upcoming election.
The Chairperson of the (NCCE) Kathleen Addy, made this plea in an interview on the JoyNews’ AM Show, stressing the critical importance of voter engagement and informed decision-making ahead of the December 7 elections.
According to Mrs Addy, Ghanaians have always shown enthusiasm in the lead-up to elections, and this year should be no different.
“Elections have a certain vibe; we get excited when it’s approaching, and everyone values the opportunity to exercise their votes,” she remarked.
She further pointed out that voter turnout in previous elections has been consistently strong, with presidential and parliamentary elections regularly attracting participation rates of 70% or more.
“I am not one of those who think that Ghanaians are not going to vote,” Mrs Addy continued, citing the high levels of engagement in past elections as a sign of the country’s vibrant democratic culture.
“This is a country where, over time, we’ve consistently seen strong voter turnout, and I’m confident that this election will be no different.”
While acknowledging the widespread excitement, she emphasized that the focus should not solely be on the act of voting itself, but on the active participation of citizens in the electoral process.
“People going out to vote shouldn’t be a problem. Rather, it’s the active engagement and the fact that everyone has an opinion that really matters,” she said.
At the heart of the NCCE’s mission, Mrs Addy explained, is the need to empower voters with the knowledge and awareness necessary to make choices that are not only in their own interest but also in the interest of the country.
“We want people to make choices that benefit them, to have a clear understanding of their own self-interest and the broader interest of the state when making their decisions,” she said.
she noted that the NCCE has been actively working to educate voters on the critical importance of understanding why they vote, who they vote for, and the long-term implications of those decisions.
“It’s not just about going to the polls and casting a vote. It’s about asking ourselves why we vote, and who we’re voting for,” she explained. This, she argued, is crucial for building a democratic society that reflects the values of its people.
The NCCE’s efforts are particularly focused on educating the public about four key thematic areas, which Addy believes are vital for sustaining Ghana’s democracy. These include voter rights, electoral processes, national development, and the importance of civic engagement beyond just election day.
“Democracy depends on the actions and inactions we take,” she emphasized.
Looking back at Ghana’s journey since the establishment of the Fourth Republic, Addy reflected on the significant progress the country has made, despite the challenges and setbacks along the way. “It is important to deepen civic education and keep reminding ourselves of how we got here, to the Fourth Republic. Despite all the difficulties and shortcomings, this is the best time we’ve really had in terms of putting everything together,” she said, urging citizens to appreciate the strides Ghana has made in its democratic development.
For Mrs Addy, the call to vote is more than just a civic duty; it is a privilege that should be exercised with a sense of responsibility.
“You live in the country with the rest of us, and the decision to elect our leaders lies with us. Democracy will not build itself; it has to take actions like voting to make it real in our lives,” she said.
Mrs Addy made a final appeal to all Ghanaians to see their participation in the election as an essential part of shaping the future of the nation. “We must make sure the election is meaningful, impactful, and works for us as citizens,” she concluded.
With just today left until election day, the NCCE’s message serves as a reminder that active engagement in the electoral process is a fundamental part of Ghana’s democratic journey.
As the nation prepares for the December 7 elections, the NCCE urges all Ghanaians to take their civic responsibility seriously and make informed, thoughtful decisions at the polls.
By fostering a deeper understanding of democracy and civic duties, the NCCE believes that Ghanaians can continue to strengthen their democratic institutions and ensure that the election process remains inclusive, fair, and reflective of the people’s will.
