Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy has issued a warning to the public and political candidates, highlighting the dangers of the monetization of politics through practices such as vote buying and selling. She emphasized that these actions pose a significant threat to the practice of democracy in the nation.
Addy pointed out that the trend of political parties and candidates distributing money to voters to sway their voting decisions has been growing in strength over time. She stressed that the inability of most voters to resist this practice has negative repercussions for the country’s democratic system, as the money given comes with expectations of gaining leadership roles.
She highlighted that not only does the conditional nature of this practice make it problematic, as the money given is expected to be accounted for, but it also creates the impression that democracy can be purchased in the country.
Consequently, the Chairperson called upon the public to refrain from accepting money from political candidates and parties, emphasizing that this approach would strengthen the democratic practice of the country.
Addy shared her concerns during the launch of the NCCE’s 30th-anniversary celebration, held under the theme, ‘Thirty Years of Sustaining Ghana’s Democracy through Effective Civic Education.’
Throughout the year-long anniversary celebration, there will be panel discussions involving statesmen discussing the role of Independent Government Institutions (IGIs) in upholding democracy. Additionally, activities will include visits to branches of government, civic awards to acknowledge patriotic citizens and national contributors, among other events.
A representative from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Stephen Azantilow, expressed gratitude for the NCCE’s ongoing support, noting that CHRAJ’s history is intertwined with that of the NCCE and that the NCCE’s existence has aided in protecting fundamental human rights, advocating for accountability, and nurturing respect for democracy in Ghana.