President of the Ghana Bar Association, Anthony Forson says the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is partly to blame for the violence that occurred at Jamestown in the Odododiodio constituency on Sunday.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show Tuesday, Mr. Forson accused the Commission of failing to do their job in educating the citizenry on the importance of peace ahead of the December 7, polls.
Mr Forson stressed that the job of political actors, electoral stakeholders, and particularly the NCCE, is to ensure that the electorates understand the need for peace, tolerance, and unity before, during, and after the election.
“So it is a matter of education and it must be a focused one. Last week the police revealed the flashpoints that they have identified and more attention needs to be given to those areas.
“This is because if something sparks now, who would you blame; you can’t blame the government or the opposition, but someone must take the blame and that person who is to be blamed is the one who is supposed to handle the education,” he said.
Responding to this on Joy FM’s Midday News, the NCCE Chairperson, Josephine Nkrumah noted the NCCE is committed to ensuring a peaceful election adding that: “We have worked tirelessly and relentlessly in our efforts to bring peace in the society.”
She said although incidents like the Jamestown clash over the weekend may seem like the Commission’s Civic education is inadequate, her outfit is doing its very best to preach the peace message.
However, in addition to that, law enforcement agencies also have to do their part in deterring violent acts on all social and political levels.
“Education alone will not do it [bring peace]. It is a concerted effort because education just reorients mindsets.
“But since we are equally aware that we have laws and regulations in this country and our laws must be seen being enforced, because something that deterrents individuals is equally critical,” she said.
On Sunday, a peace walk by supporters of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) turned violent in Jamestown in the Odododiodio constituency.
Police say 20 people were injured in the clash, however, no arrest has been made yet.
source: myjoyonline