Kumasi, Nov. 11, GNA – A day’s forum aimed at sensitizing students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on their civic roles and responsibilities in promoting non-violence in the upcoming elections was held in Kumasi on Monday.
It was organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in collaboration with the Frederick Ebert Foundation, a Non- Governmental Organization.
Speaking on the topic: “A Review of the Public Order Act – Challenges and Prospects in an Election Year and Beyond” Madam Eudora Oppong, a legal practitioner, reminded students that they were agents of change and as such, they should continually shape the opinions of the masses in respect of the electoral process for successful elections. She said they should have a fair, objective and respectful attitude towards those whose opinions, practices, religion, nationality, race among others differed from their own.
Madam Oppong noted that, it was important that, all eligible Ghanaians including the youth, women, elderly and persons with disabilities participate in the elections to enable them contribute effectively to the nation’s development and decision making process. She said in view of this, it behoved Ghanaians not to accept any gifts from any politician or political party for the purpose of voting in a particular way or refraining from voting.
Madam Oppong said it was significant that, any person who desired to hold a special political event in any public place notified the police five days before the event to ensure sanity.
Dr Kojo Opoku Aidoo, Head of African History and Politics at the Institute of African Studies of the University of Ghana, called on students in tertiary institutions not to allow themselves to be used by self-seeking politicians in promoting violence.
He urged them to continue to collaborate with the NCCE to educate the public on their civic responsibilities to enable them appreciate the electoral process for a violent free elections.
