Cape Coast, Aug. 28, GNA - Mr Frank Adoba, Central Regional Director of National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on Wednesday called on women to exercise their franchise during elections to participate effectively in governance.

He noted that women had a vital role in governance and should therefore not be left out in decision-making in the country. "Women are the 'best economists in the world' and contribute to all spheres of life," he added.

Mr Adoba made the call, at a day's sensitization forum organized by Central Regional Directorate of NCCE for women groups in Cape Coast Metropolitan Area on the theme "Women Participation in Governance". It was organised as part of NCCE's public education activities to sensitise the electorate on the electoral process, effective participation and non-violent peaceful elections. The participants included traders, women's wings of the various political parties and religious organizations. Mr Adoba advised women to refrain from acts likely to disturb the prevailing peace in the metropolis and endeavour to ensure peaceful Election 2008.

Reverend Father Jojo Gyepi-Gabrah, Programme Organizer for Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in Cape Coast, said women were endowed with qualities to foster good relationship, and must therefore be given equal opportunity to air their views, to enhance democracy and non-violence election.

He called on the National Directorate of NCCE to ensure more women engaged in active politics in accordance with the Affirmative Action Policy of 1998, which gave women 40 per cent participation in governance.

Ms Margaret Sackey, Mfantsiman Municipal Director of NCCE, appealed to women to educate their children about the need to maintain peace in the country before, during and after Election 2008. She appealed to politicians and activists of political parties to address issues during their campaigns and not insults at opponents.