Dwease (Ash), Aug.8, GNA- The Asante Akim North Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has launched a programme of activities for the 2008 Election, at Dwease near Konongo in the Ashanti Region.

This is to assist in educating the public on what is expected of them to ensure peace during the forthcoming elections. Members of the various political parties, civil societies groups, assembly members and traditional authorities attended the event. Mr. Kusi Aboraa, Ashanti Regional Director of NCCE, said the Commission was committed to sensitizing Ghanaians on the need to exercise their franchise and urged them to avail themselves of their programme. He said even thought political parties have different ideologies they remain vehicles for socio-economic development. He urged political parties to tolerate divergent views to enable them to make informed choice.

The Regional Director wondered why supporters of opposing parties considered themselves as enemies and charged party leaders to educate their followers on political tolerance to ensure incident-free election. Mr. Aboraa entreated the youth not to allow themselves to be used to foment troubles adding that such practices had the potential of ruining their future.

He urged politicians not to engage in ethnic politics during their campaigns to the polls since it could easily spark violence. Mr. Paul Oppong, Municipal Director of NCCE, said that the Commission had sensitized students in various Senior High Schools in the municipality on political tolerance. He said plans were under way to include women groups to whip up their interest in politics, stressing that almost all the women in assembly were government appointees. Mr. George Frimpong, Municipal Chief Executive, underscored the need for politicians to embark on campaigns devoid of insults and unsubstantiated allegations. He called on party supporters to convince the electorate to vote for their parties rather than resorting to insults and intimidations. Mr Frimpong advocated for the comparison of achievements of previous and ruling government to enable the electorate arrive at the right decision.