Participate actively in upcoming general elections  …CDS Africa urges traders

 The Advocacy and Public Engagement Coordinator for the Africa Centre for De-mocracy and Socio-econom­ic Development (CDS Africa), Ms Celestina Damoah, has en­couraged traders at the Madina market to participate actively in the upcoming general elections.

She emphasized that upon reaching the age of 18, citizens acquire the automatic civic right to vote, which they must utilise.

Ms Damoah urged them not to be deterred by the prevailing economic difficulties but to ex­ercise their right to vote in order to select a responsible leader ca­pable of addressing the nation’s economic challenges.

She was speaking at the cli­max of the “Market Women for Peaceful Polls” event, organised by CDS Africa in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Accra on Friday.

She encouraged them to advocate peace both prior to and during the election, empha­sizing the necessity of avoiding provocative political messages that could lead to violence.

“The paramount consider­ation is our unity as a people; Ghana is our shared home, which underscores the im­portance of safeguarding our nation, its citizens, and the tran­quility we enjoy,” she stated.

Additionally, Ms Damoah highlighted that as a demo­cratic nation, it is crucial to allow peace to guide all political endeavors while honouring the perspectives of others.

Mrs Doris Agyemang, the NCCE Municipal Director at La Nkwantanang-Madina, also stressed the significance of traders participating in large numbers to exercise their voting rights in the election.

Taking them through the vot­ing process, she said they should remember to go with their voters Identity card and not their Ghana Card because it is the voter ID that was recognised for voting.

She emphasized that individ­uals should refrain from wearing party T-shirts or colours when visiting the polling station. While at the station, they should remain quietly in line, patiently awaiting their turn.

“Should you have any un­certainties regarding the voting process, do not hesitate to seek assistance from the Electoral Commission officers present at the polling station. Upon receiv­ing your ballot paper, ensure to check the reverse side for the EC stamp and verify that all details are accurate before cast­ing your vote. Afterward, fold the paper vertically and then horizontally before placing it in the ballot box,” Mrs Agyemang advised.

She further noted that if a ballot paper became spoiled during the voting process, voters have the right to request a new one by returning the spoiled paper to the EC officer, who will then provide a replacement.

 BY CECILIA LAGBA YADA

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