UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By: Millicent L. Dahamani
Parliamentary candidates for the Bolgatanga Central constituency participated in a lively debate at the GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga, hosted by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in collaboration with Rise Ghana. This event, themed “Democracy 360: sustaining Inclusive Civic Engagement to track party manifestos beyond elections” gave constituents a unique opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as they outlined their plans for the region ahead of the upcoming 2024 elections.
The debate featured incumbent MP Isaac Adongo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who highlighted his development projects and expressed optimism in retaining his seat. His primary challenger, New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Elvis Atia Figo Awonekai, contested Adongo’s performance and emphasized his own track record and ideas as reasons to vote for change. The People’s National Convention (PNC) candidate, Peter Akulibe, presented himself as the most seasoned politician among the three and invoked the legacy of former President Dr. Hilla Liman in his campaign.
The event drew large crowds and vocal support from the NPP and NDC, creating an energetic atmosphere as each candidate made their case. The NCCE aimed to create an inclusive environment, allowing constituents such as first-time voters, market women, and people with disabilities to engage with the candidates through a question-and-answer session. Attendees raised issues including job accessibility and financial barriers in education.
Upper East Regional NCCE Director Abdulai Ayala encouraged citizens to avoid violence and respect election regulations. In a post-debate interview with GBC, URA radio, Rise Ghana Director, Mr. Awal Kariyama expressed gratitude to the candidates for their participation and highlighted the debate’s diversity and broad community representation. He commended media outlets like A1 Radio for live-streaming the event and thanked GBC and TV3 for coverage.
Addressing concerns about potential election-related violence, Kariyama dismissed recent tensions between NPP and NDC supporters as ordinary political disagreements and urged voters to conduct themselves peacefully. He stated, “Ghana will be the winner in this election,” reminding voters to cast their ballots and return home peacefully.
The debate concluded with a positive gesture of unity as candidates from opposing parties embraced, signaling their commitment to a peaceful election process.
