HAPPENING NOW: @NDI, @IRIglobal, and @NEDemocracy are hosting a discussion on #Ghana’s 2020 elections and how political parties are working to ensure inclusive, peaceful, issue-based #elections .

Tune in via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1205471993145082&extid=wPyqodjuXFMMKNaa

“Ghana’s electoral & democratic processes have made the country a beacon of democracy & an example to follow.” U.S. @RepKarenBass urges a peaceful, legitimate, fair, & accessible electoral process that includes women, members of civil society, & other marginalized communities.

There are 24 political parties in #Ghana, and we are pleased to welcome @potokunor of the National Democratic Congress and @PMacManu of the New Patriotic Party to discuss the issues facing Ghanian voters in the 2020 elections.

@PMacManu of the #NPP: “This election is about which of the two leaders voters can trust with the future of their children, who you can depend on in times of crisis, and who can put in motion programs to revive the economy and build our country after the Coronavirus.”

Dr. William Ahadzie of the #NDC: “I agree with @PMacManu that this election will be one decided on the track record of each candidate. Sovereignty rests with the people ... we, as political leaders, are agents of the people, and we must consult them.”

UP NEXT: @GeorgeAmoh, a member of the @PeaceCouncilGh which is an independent statutory national peace institution working with the Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, youth, etc. to develop mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution.

" @PeaceCouncilGh brought the NPP and NDC to dialogue and they signed on to a roadmap and code of conduct. The council also established a National & Regional Elections Response Group as mechanisms to follow-up on the activities of political actors in the lead-up to the elections."

@PMacManu on the challenges COVID-19 poses to the 2020 elections: “The Electoral Commission has a new voter registration process that ensures safe, convenient health and safety protocols. Citizens must be protected from COVID-19 … we do not anticipate any spike on Election Day.”

Dr. William Ahadzie on the same question: “The government and Electoral Commission have a responsibility to ensure that health protocols are followed, even if the risk of infection is low. We must also educate our voters to follow the protocols."

ON INCLUSION
"Girls' & women’s education is an equity issue. Girls must be given the opportunity to attend and stay in school. We have worked hard to achieve gender parity in primary education and worked to promote girls’ training in math and science.”-Dr. William Ahadzie.

LEADERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE: Both the #NPP and #NDC encourage young people to participate in all levels of government. #Youth have the knowledge, skills, and potential and are key to the future of #Ghana.

@GeorgeAmoh on future leaders: “We must have leaders who show character, responsibility..leaders like Kofi Annan & former presidents, who our youth can emulate to become great leaders. We also need strategies to breed good leaders who have love for country and love for society.”