Kumasi, May 23, GNA - Reverend Joseph K. Gyimah, Leader of the True Light of Christ church, on Saturday said civic education could assist in guaranteeing free, fair and peaceful elections and the growth of democracy in the country.

He said if people are educated on their rights and obligations to the State they could contribute more effectively to the development of the country's young democracy.

Rev Gyimah, therefore, appealed to the government to give more financial and logistic support to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), to enable it effectively carry out its duties. He was briefing the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on how to ensue peaceful elections and peaceful co-existence among Ghanaians. Rev Gyimah noted that the lack of knowledge and civic education on the part of some people, have often been the cause of violence and intimidation, especially during elections.

Rev Gyimah said: "if the NCCE is well resourced, it will be able to reach out to remote parts of the country with messages on civic education to enable majority of Ghanaians to appreciate that democracy and elections are all about peace and development and not violence and confrontation".

He said even though educating people about their civic rights and responsibilities is the task of the NCCE, individuals, organisations and political parties should assist the Commission carry out its work. Rev Gyimah appealed to "Religious leaders, traditional authorities and other opinion leaders to complement the efforts of the NCCE in educating Ghanaians on their civic rights and responsibilities". 23 May 04