The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in collaboration with the Takoradi Catholic Diocese have engaged three parliamentary candidates in the Kwesimintsim Constituency on their development vision for the area.
The debate was attended by all the chiefs and queens in the Traditional Area, opinion leaders, Assembly Members, religious leaders and the electorates.
However, only one of the three aspirants was present at the debate which was under the theme, “The Role of Parliament, Local Authorities and Participatory Governance for Community Development”.
The Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr Moses Kojo Baffoe announced that in the past months, the NCCE held a number of Inter-party Dialogue Committee meetings, attended by political parties, civil society organizations, Faith Based Organizations and persons with disability.
He said during such meetings, participants were enlightened on the need to observe all the electoral processes, how to engage in political campaigns devoid of insults, rancor, not to use intemperate language on airwaves as well as to desist from violent acts.
He explained that the debate was to give opportunity for the parliamentary candidates to outline their visions for their constituency in the next four years and ascertain the concerns and needs of their constituents.
He also mentioned that the debate was sponsored by the European Union to promote issue-based campaigns devoid of insults, rancor, tension and violence.
Mr Nick Tawiah, Sekondi-Takoradi Diocesan President for Justice and Peace Commission urged politicians not to incite their supporters to engage in acts of violence and further urged the electorates to stand for peace.
Among concerns raised by the chiefs and participants at the event include measures to curb the perennial floods in the communities, need for accidents and emergency unit at the Kwesimintsim Hospital, need for standard Islamic school, and plans for farmers and community engagement.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
