Digital Tool Launched in Accra to Assess Political Party Manifestos

Accra: A new digital tool aimed at enhancing accountability in governance by tracking political party commitments has been launched in Accra. The Voters Compass, an initiative by Penplusbytes, allows voters to assess and compare key policy areas of different political parties, focusing on issues that matter most to them. According to Ghana News Agency, the Voters Compass was developed in collaboration with VoteSwiper, a German civic tech organization, and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. Mr. Jerry Sam, the Executive Director of Penplusbytes, stated at the launch that the platform provides verified information on political party promises, candidate profiles, and election procedures, empowering Ghanaians to make informed voting decisions in the upcoming 2024 national elections. Mr. Sam highlighted the significance of the Voters Compass Political Dialogue, which will be live-streamed to engage those not online in political discussions. He noted that the forum aims to foster open, constructive conve rsations among political leaders, civil society, and university students, facilitating discussions around manifestos and promoting greater transparency and accountability in governance. Mr. Sam also pointed out that the Voters Compass aligns with Penplusbytes' African Elections Project, which has been active since 2008, promoting accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance through interactive discussions on political manifestos. Madam Sivine Jansen, Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana, expressed optimism that the Voters Compass would serve as an educational tool for voters, enhancing their understanding of different parties' and candidates' positions, ultimately leading to more informed voting decisions. She emphasized the platform's user-friendly nature, designed to engage the younger generation, who play a crucial role in elections. During a panel discussion, representatives from various political parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Move for Change, along with Independent Presidential candidate Mr. Kofi Koranteng, presented their manifesto programs and visions for the country.