On August 30, 2024, the South Tongu Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) inaugurated its Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) at the South Tongu District Assembly Hall.

The event was part of the NCCE's efforts to foster a peaceful and respectful atmosphere during the upcoming election campaigns.

The engagement drew together 26 key stakeholders, including political party chairpersons and their aspirants, traditional authorities, clergy, security personnel, market women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), youth groups, representatives from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Electoral Commission.

Reverend Robert Sedo, the Chairman of the Local Council of Churches and the IPDC, welcomed the stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of peaceful elections.

He reminded all participants that elections are a competition of ideas, not violence.

Drawing attention to the unrest in neighboring countries, Reverend Sedo urged Ghanaians to maintain peace, as "we have nowhere to go."

He called on political parties and their supporters to tolerate differing views and prioritize national unity over partisan interests.

Mr. Seth Fiagorme, the District Director of NCCE and a committee member, expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their participation.

He highlighted the collective responsibility of all involved in the electoral process to preserve the nation's peace.

Mr. Fiagorme explained that the IPDCs were established as platforms for political parties to discuss key issues, share perspectives, and work together to ensure a calm and informed electorate.

The Electoral Commission's representatives provided an update on their preparedness for the upcoming elections, assuring the committee of their commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.

However, they expressed disappointment over the low turnout during the
recent voter exhibition exercise, urging voters to engage more actively in the democratic process.

Chief Superintendent Andam Okyere, the District Police Commander, called on political parties to educate their supporters on the importance of respecting the law, particularly regarding the destruction of billboards and the defacement of opponents' posters.

He reminded them that such actions are criminal offenses and advised parties to seek permission from property owners before pasting posters on their walls.

Chief Superintendent Okyere also encouraged political parties to collaborate with security personnel by informing them about their campaign activities to ensure adequate security measures.

At the event, representatives from all the political parties present, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), and the Progressive Alliance for Change Ghana, signed a communiqué pledging their commitment to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the 2024 elections in the district.