By: Kobina Baidoo
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has launched the 2024 edition of its nationwide Parliamentary Candidates’ Dialogue.
The initiative will engage candidates across Ghana’s 275 constituencies as part of preparations for the upcoming general elections.
The announcement was made on November 20, 2024, at the NCCE’s head office in Accra.
According to the Commission, these dialogues are critical in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, in line with its mandate as stipulated in the National Commission for Civic Education Act 1993 (Act 452).
NCCE Chairperson Kathleen Addy emphasized the importance of these interactions, describing them as a vital step toward ensuring peaceful elections and aligning candidates with the expectations of the electorate. She stated, “These dialogues are part of an ongoing commitment to fostering an informed electorate and promoting peaceful, issue-based elections in Ghana.”
The Parliamentary Candidates’ Dialogues (PCDs) serve as platforms for candidates to present their vision and policies while engaging constituents on pressing national issues. Chairperson Addy highlighted that the dialogues also address specific concerns identified through the Commission’s research.
As part of the preparation for the PCDs, the NCCE has utilized findings from its Matters of Concern (MoC) research, a nationwide survey conducted each election year to ensure the relevance of its initiatives. Madam Addy explained, “The report is the result of a nationwide survey conducted by the NCCE’s research department, in partial fulfillment of Article 233(c) of the 1992 Constitution.” She further noted that the 2024 report has already been deployed in some constituencies to guide the dialogues.
The NCCE has set several objectives for this year’s dialogues. These include encouraging civic engagement, enhancing political accountability, fostering peaceful elections, and strengthening democratic institutions. The initiative also aims to bridge the communication gap between candidates and constituents, emphasize the roles and responsibilities of parliamentary candidates, and demonstrate democracy in action.
The Commission is optimistic that these dialogues will deepen civic participation, promote accountability, and contribute to a peaceful and democratic electoral process.