NCCE officials urged to be neutral

A traditional ruler has appealed to officials of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to endeavour to remain resolute and desist from acts, that could compromise their neutrality during the electioneering campaign.  Subun Kankam Amrado, Chief of Abesewa in the Ahafo Ano South District of Ashanti, who made the appeal, said officials of the Commission occupied very sensitive position and there was the need for them to play their roles effectively to win the confidence of the public.  Subun Amrado made the appeal at a public forum on election 2008 organised by the NCCE at Mankranso on Monday.  The forum, which was part of a series of nationwide public education campaign in some selected districts, is aimed at sensitizing the public on the need to ensure tolerance and peace during and after the December elections.  It was attended by traditional and religious leaders, party activists, Heads of Departments, security agencies, youth groups and assembly members.  Pupils from the Victory Junior High School at Mankranso performed a drama to educate the people on the need for tolerance, peace and unity during and after the elections.  Subun Amrado stressed the need for the NCCE to intensify its public education campaign on the duties and responsibilities of the citizenry, especially during the election period, adding that, the success of the election would depend on them.  Mr Kwame Opoku Afriyie, a member of the NCCE in-charge of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, charged the youth to be vigilant and not to allow themselves to be influenced by political leaders to cause trouble.  He appealed to chiefs to advise their subjects to desist from acts that would create violence in their communities.  Mr Afriyie said this year's election was not a war and urged political party leaders to refrain from using abusive language on political platforms to avoid violence.  He called on Ghanaians to think carefully before casting their votes, since the election was to determine the future progress of the nation.  Mr Kwaku Obeng Boateng, DCE for Ahafo Ano South, in an address read for him, urged the youth to comport themselves during their campaigns.  He said the country was moving forward in terms of socio-economic development and there was the need to ensure that democracy thrived to speed up development.  Mr Isaac Gyimah, Ahafo South District Director of NCCE, requested for a vehicle to enhance the work of the Commission in the district. GNA