As part of strategies to strengthen ties with its stakeholders and working partners, the Current Affairs team of Happy 98.9 FM, paid a courtesy call on the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
The visit, marking the beginning of many others is part of a long term goal of the Happy FM Current Affairs team to increase access, and solidify existing relationships with its numerous stakeholders.
The high powered delegation of Happy 98.9 FM was led by the head of Current Affairs, Isaac Addae. Kwadwo Sefah-Danquah and Fati Shaibu Ali, hosts of the Happy Morning Show. Producer of the Epa Hoa Daben political talk show, Joel Sanco, Sales Manager at Global Media Alliance (GMA), parent company of Happy FM, Mary-Ann Coleman and Sales Executive, Margaret Akoto were members of the delegation.
The Happy FM team was warmly received by a delegation led by the Chairperson of the NCCE, Kathleen Addy. Deputy Chairman, Finance & Administration, Dr. Victor K. Brobbey, Dora Hammond, Director of Administration, Dr. Imurana Mohammed, Director of Programmes and Deputy Director of Communications of the NCCE, Rita Amparbin.
Welcoming the team, Ms. Kathleen Addy, the NCCE Chairperson expressed profound excitement and appreciation of the team’s efforts to strengthening ties between the two institutions, and also the move by Happy FM to offer their services and expertise in supporting the commission in the execution of its mandate.
The NCCE over the years has been a core pillar in educating the public on various issues which fall within their mandate, and to some extent go beyond that mandate, especially when it comes to the safety of Ghanaians. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission embarked on sensitization exercises across the country, educating Ghanaians about the pandemic which was new to all.
The core mandate of the commission includes but is not limited to promotimg peace and security, environmental sustainability and climate change issues, global citizenship, focus on the rights of the vulnerable in the society and rapid deployment of public education. These have made the NCCE a huge part of the success story of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
Over the years, the NCCE has been able to execute its mandate effectively using a mix of centralised and decentralised systems, tailoring the execution of their mandate to the environment or community they find themselves in.
With youth forming over 70 percent of the country’s population, the NCCE is focused on tailoring its programmes to appeal and reach out to more of the youth.
The December 2024 elections is at our heels and Ms. Addy revealed that the commission has a four themed campaign being rolled out to ensure a peaceful and violent free election.
Addressing the team, she stated, “this year is an election year and we have identified four key themes which we are using in all of our public education. These are things that we should look out for.
The first is the monetization of our politics. This has become too much. First the problem was with supply but now it is with demand. In the past there will be rumours of money changing hands and you will not even be able to verify, but today those giving the money are proudly giving the money. When they finish sharing the money which is an illegal act, then they come and boldly conduct interviews and tell the public ooh, we gave them Ghc5,000.00. Then, the worst part of it is those collecting the money. They’re not feeling any shame. They’ll collect the money and come and say in the other electoral area they got Ghc5,000.00 but we’ve only got Ghc3,000.00 so we won’t vote. This trend is damaging and dangerous, and needs addressing. We’re trying to get people to focus more on issues around money in politics because it is very dangerous.
We’re also focusing on fake news and misrepresentation. Deliberately misleading people with the view to incitement. We’re in a hot season and emotions are high, so you put out fake news and people get angry and sparks fly high. We all know many countries have fallen victim of fake news, misinformation and disinformation. As a country we are not immune to this.
The third thing we’re looking at it election violence, and we’re getting people to understand that we grow in a democracy. And growing means leaving some of these things behind us as a country.
The last thing we’re focusing on is religious intolerance. We need to live in peace as a country. But now people want to turn religion into something else. Telling people not to vote for this person or that person because of their religious background. In countries where religion is an issue, it always leads to chaos and a breakdown in society. Religion is a very emotional aspect and as a country we don’t have to add that to the many issues we’re already dealing with.”
With the NCCE constantly Collaborating with the political party, they are confident these four thematic areas can be addressed significantly with their buy in.
She advised the youth to appreciate the peace in the country saying, “we’ve come a long way from the Ghana with the culture of silence, and your actions and inactions will determine the kind of Ghana that we’ll have tomorrow.”
Ms. Addy admits there is a lot of work to be done pre and post the election, and is glad to have a relationship with Happy FM and the entire Global Media Alliance Group to support in the execution and amplification of its mandate.
Isaac Addae, Head of Current Affairs at Happy FM, pledged confidence in the consistent growth of the partnership with the NCCE. “This is a relationship which will stand the test of time and as a brand, we will do all in our power to support the NCCE in executing its mandate.”