The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), through a parliamentary candidates’ dialogue forum, has been promoting participatory democracy in the Lawra Constituency ahead of the 2024 general election.
The forum aimed to provide an opportunity for candidates to engage with constituents on issues important to Ghanaian voters, enhancing voters’ knowledge to make informed choices based on candidates’ competencies and development plans.
Organized by the NCCE in partnership with the Lawra Municipal Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC), an NCCE initiative to promote peace before, during, and after the 2024 election, the event encouraged community engagement.
At the forum’s opening in Lawra, Jesurun Ninge Mornah, the Lawra Municipal Director of the NCCE, urged the public to exercise their constitutional rights by actively participating in the election process to reinforce the country’s democratic values. He encouraged attendees to assess candidates’ proposed interventions for the constituency and determine whose plans best align with the community’s aspirations.
Mr. Dapila Samuel, a deacon of the Assemblies of God Church in Lawra, moderated the discussion, which covered key voter concerns such as healthcare, agriculture, education, roads, unemployment, and the economy.
The forum attracted representatives from the local security services, Lawra Municipal IPDC members, religious leaders, and heads of institutions and departments. Attendees included representatives of women and youth groups, faith-based organizations, persons with disabilities, students, and members of various political parties.
Participants raised questions about the constituency’s development needs, including the construction of the Dikpe Bridge.
Among the three parliamentary candidates in Lawra Constituency—the National Democratic Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP), and an Independent candidate—only the NDC candidate attended the forum.
Bede A. Ziedeng, the NDC candidate, praised the NCCE for organizing the event, stating it would empower voters to make informed choices on December 7, 2024, regarding their parliamentary representative for 2025.
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