The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, has called on politicians to refrain from using religious divisions as a campaign strategy during their rallies.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Dance to the Beat Peace Campaign at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, she emphasized that political campaigns rooted in religious differences have the potential to sow discord and destabilize the nation’s peace.
The campaign, themed: “Promoting Political Tolerance Through Dance”, seeks to promote peaceful coexistence, especially as Ghana gears up for its general elections.
The initiative aims to harness the power of dance to connect with the public, particularly young people, and spread messages of civic responsibility, unity, and political tolerance.
Kathleen Addy expressed optimism about the campaign’s potential to foster a harmonious electoral atmosphere.
She explained that by using dance—a universal medium of expression—the NCCE hopes to make civic education and the importance of political tolerance more accessible and engaging to Ghanaians.
“We are filming our pop-up dances and spreading the message of peace to all Ghanaians as we count down to election day,” she noted.
“As we keep saying, elections are not about fighting, bloodshed, or violence. Someone will win, and someone will lose, so we must prepare our minds for that eventuality. Until the results are officially announced, no one should make any assumptions or take actions that could undermine peace.”
Ms. Addy further urged Ghanaians to prioritize the country’s unity and stability above political differences.
“We have only one Ghana. We have nowhere else to go. No matter the outcome of the elections, Ghana must stand united beyond 2025. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that, regardless of political affiliations, we continue to build a better nation together,” she said passionately.
The Dance to the Beat Peace Campaign also includes a series of pop-up dance events across the country, designed to engage communities in conversations about peace and tolerance. These events highlight the importance of accepting election outcomes peacefully while reminding citizens of their civic rights and duties.
By targeting young people, who make up a significant portion of the voting population, the campaign aims to inspire them to become ambassadors of peace and active participants in the democratic process. The NCCE envisions an inclusive electoral process where citizens understand the power of their vote and the necessity of preserving the nation’s peace.
This innovative approach to civic education has already garnered positive feedback, with many applauding the NCCE for its creative efforts in promoting unity ahead of the polls. As Ghana approaches a critical moment in its democratic journey, the campaign serves as a timely reminder of the importance of tolerance, dialogue, and a collective commitment to safeguarding the nation’s future.
