By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
A parliamentary candidate dialogue organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for the Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency in the Greater Accra Region ahead of the 2024 elections turned chaotic.
The Genenis
This resulted when the persistent interruptions from members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) audience led to a walkout by the NPP parliamentary candidate. Despite the disruption, the dialogue ended peacefully with only the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Emmanuel Adotey Allotey candidate remaining to share his vision for the constituency.
The Dialogue Rational
The event, which was intended to allow candidates from both major parties to present their plans for the region, started off smoothly. Both candidates were given the opportunity to outline their positions on key issues affecting the constituency, including education, youth unemployment, and infrastructure development.
What Transpired
However, tensions began to rise when members of the NPP audience frequently interjected during the NDC candidate’s speech. The interruptions grew more heated, causing a disruption in the proceedings. The situation escalated when the NPP parliamentary candidate, visibly frustrated, decided to walk out of the event.
Resolving the Chaos
The NCCE and the event chairperson quickly intervened to restore calm and ensure the dialogue could continue. Despite the challenges, the NDC candidate chose to stay and continued to engage with the audience, emphasizing his commitment to the people of Anyaa Sowutuom.
NDC PC outlines vision for Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency
In his closing remarks, the NDC candidate outlined several reasons why he believes he is the best candidate for the upcoming elections. He highlighted his track record in community development, his commitment to creating job opportunities for the youth, and his vision for improving educational outcomes in the constituency.
“I believe I am the right person to represent Anyaa Sowutuom in Ghana’s parliament because I have lived with everyone – the youth, the middle class, and the aged. I have lived in the constituency for well over 32 years and am well aware of the challenges we have in Anyaa Sowutuom especially our roads, drainage and education that is not really at where we want it to be, jobs for the youth as well so with all these challenges I know they are bordering the constituency. I am the right person because I have a lot of knowledge and expertise in solving these challenges. I want to lobby for two more secondary schools to be added to the only one that we have”. the NDC candidate stated.
Policy on Education for Anyaa Sowutuom
In terms of funding education, the NDC parliamentary candidate revealed that he intends to set up the Anyaa Sowutuom Educational Fund which will see a serious board of trustees to ensure transparency in the distribution of the funds and fairness.
Policy on Job Creation for Anyaa Sowutuom
On the issue of job creation, the NDC candidate said he is well aware of the chuck of the youth who are home without jobs and hence his focus is to help them secure jobs in both the formal and informal sectors adding that “ I already have a microfinance that I use to support the market women, I will enlarged it to support more of our women in trading”.
NCCE’s Reaction
In an interview with Raymond News, the Municipal Director of NCCE in the Ga Central Municipality, Mrs. Mary Dagbah said the initiative is one of the flagship programs on the calendar of the NCCE to organize an inter-party dialogue which allows the audience to interact with the parliamentary candidates in the various constituencies.
NCCE reaffirms commitment
The NCCE Municipal Director added that in every organization, there is a challenge and hence the NCCE is aware sometimes issues of misunderstanding could arise and but reaffirmed their commitment to holding such platforms for open and peaceful political discourse. The NCCE also called for greater civility and respect during political engagements as the election approaches.
Conclusion
As the election day draws closer, all eyes will be on how the events of the dialogue influence voter sentiment in the Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency, with both parties preparing for a fierce contest.