Political Actors in Ghana Urged to Ensure Fair and Transparent Elections

Accra: Madam Sarah Oye Owiredu, the Greater Accra Regional Chairperson of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), has called on political actors and the Electoral Commission to commit to fairness and transparency in the upcoming December elections. Her remarks emphasized that integrity in the electoral process is essential to gaining the trust of all stakeholders involved. According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Owiredu warned that any bias, whether intentional or accidental, by the Electoral Commission could potentially lead to national unrest. Her comments came during an event celebrating teachers in the Greater Accra Region, held at the GNAT Regional Secretariat in Nungua, Accra. The event was themed "Valuing Teachers' Voices: The Role of the Teacher in Maintaining Peace before, during, and after the December 7 Elections." Madam Owiredu highlighted the critical role teachers play in maintaining peace throughout the election period, noting that the conduct of the election management body is cruci al. She urged the Electoral Commission to facilitate discussions among diverse political interests to alleviate tensions. In addition to Madam Owiredu's call for civic responsibility, Mr. Stephen Abamfo, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Education, underscored the influential role of teachers beyond traditional education. He pointed out that teachers can guide students to critically engage with information and promote informed decision-making. Mr. Abamfo further stressed the importance of teachers as stabilizing figures during potentially tense election periods. He urged teachers to advocate for peace and dialogue, fostering unity over discord. Mr. Ebenezer Perry Ofori, the Municipal Education Director and Chairman of the occasion, emphasized the need for society to value teachers' voices. He encouraged teachers to conduct themselves as role models and support each other to leave a lasting positive legacy. The event also honored Madam Vida Takyiwa Takyi of Nyigbenya D/A Basic 'B' in the Dangme West D istrict as the Overall Best Teacher of the Greater Accra Region, awarding her a double-door refrigerator.