The Birim Central office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on Tuesday 26th November, 2024, held a Parliamentary Candidates Dialogue for Parliamentary hopefuls of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Jones Asante and Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, MP for Akim Oda Constituency which took place at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Akim Oda.
However, the dialogue was a one man affair as Mr. Jones Asante (NDC Parliamentary Candidate) had to pull out at the eleventh hour due to unforeseen circumstances beyond his control.
The program saw various stakeholders such as the Clergy, Muslim Council, Nananom from the Kotoku Traditional Council, Hon. Joyce Adwoa Agyeiwaa (MCE- Birim Central Municipal Assembly), Hon. Victoria Adu (Former MCE, Birim Central Municipal Assembly), Heads of the various security services, Identifiable Groupings like, Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA), Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), Market Queens, People With Disability- Akim Oda, Civic Education Club members of the NCCE from selected schools within the Birim Central and the general public in attendance.
The event was chaired by Oberempong Gyamfi Sarfo-Kyere II, Korontenhene of Akim Oda Traditional Area. The program commenced as soon as Hon. Alexander Akwasi Aquah (NPP Parliamentary Candidate) arrived, with Rev. Appiah Sarfo Kantanka (Minister of Emmanuel Presby Church) giving the opening prayer. Madam Rejoice Biscoff (Mun. Director NCCE Birim Central) gave the welcome address and purpose of gathering right after the Chairman of the occasion gave his opening remarks.
Followed up was the main segment of the gathering, the PCD, which was overseen by Mr. Cephas Atido (Moderator) and Mr.Theophilus Asare (Time Keeper). Line of questioning was limited to the top five (5) issues of The Matters of Concern to The Ghanaian Voter, namely; Education, Employment, Health, Roads and Infrastructure, and Agriculture in a research report undertaken by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) nationwide.
During the PDC, notable answers were the revamp of the Oda Government Hospital into a brand new ultramodern health facility, expanding scholarship scheme and the scope of vocational skills by giving out items such as industrial sowing machines and other gadgets to graduates in the vocational field, construction of a recreational center, inner town and town connecting roads to aid easy movement when asked on issues pertaining to Health, Education and Roads and Infrastructure respectively and among other things.
Chairman for the occasion, Oberempom Gyamfi Sarfo-Kyere II, raised a concern on the newly constructed Central Market with respect to its sharing, stating that, it is rumored of an unfair model for its sharing. Hon. Alexander Akwesi Acquah, promised there is no such thing and reiterated that stores and stalls will be given out with all fairness.
Madam Janet Koranteng (Municipal Director of Electoral Commission) shared some few words, highlighting the need for peace before, during and after elections. The program came to an end after the closing remarks from the Chair and closing prayer by Alhaji Mohammed.
There was a total attendance of 156.
In attendance were Madam Juliet Simpey (Regional Office Representative), Mr. Samuel Akuamoah Mireku (Principal Field Officer), Mr. Eric Antwi (Principal Field Officer), Aba Akyeampomaa Thompson (Civic Education Officer), Mr. Joseph Nana Baiden (Civic Education Officer), Mrs. Diana Laryea (Civic Education Officer), Mr. Antwi Kofi Badu (Civic Education Officer), Mr. Atta Agyapong Junior (NSS) and Ms. Edith Ablah Zotor (NSS).
Source: TheDailyTrustGh.com
