The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has urged Ghanaians to ignore claims made by one Oheneba Nana Asiedu of Wontumi Radio of an extension of days for voting by the Electoral Commission (EC).
The National Commission for Civic Education, together with stakeholders have warned against the airing of fake news – a key campaign which started early this year, to maintain democracy and ensure peace before and after the general elections.
The radio presenter in question, while on air, claimed that the first 7 candidates on the Presidential ballot paper will be voted for on December 7 while the elections for the remaining candidates will be held on a different date.
He has since been arrested and charged by the Ghana Police Service for publication of false news contrary to section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29).
The commission, in a release issued on Saturday, November 23, 2024, noted that these claims made by the presenter in the viral video are ‘false and misleading’ and therefore leads to disinformation. “The NCCE urges the general public to ignore the video and its content.”
The release signed by the chairperson of the NCCE, Kathleen Addy, clarifies that the electoral processes for this year’s general elections remain the same. “Officially there is only one voting day for the election 2024, Saturday 7th December, 2024 is the day. Voting starts from 7:00AM to 5:00PM for both Presidential and Parliamentary candidates. All qualified Presidential candidates in the December polls will be on one ballot and the electorate will vote for their preferred candidate. The same goes for Parliamentary aspirants.” a part of the release stated.
The National Commission for Civic Education condemns these actions often undertaken by individuals on social media, in the media fraternity and in political circles and entreats all to verify the information before sharing. The commissions also commends the Ghana Police Service for the swift action in enforcing the law and expects the law to take its full course to deter others from taking such actions.
By: Kobina Baidoo