12/11/2024
Tamale Hosts Launch of Election Observation Training Course to Enhance Electoral Integrity in Ghana
Choice TV News
By: John Kamara Taylor
Accra, Ghana November 12, 2024 – In a significant step towards strengthening electoral integrity, the Women, Youth, Peace, and Security Institute (WYPSI) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has officially launched an Election Observation Training Course.
This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Foundation for Development in Africa and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), will train 30 participants in the critical skills needed for effective electoral monitoring.
The training program aims to empower participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout the electoral process cornerstones of a democratic society.
During the inauguration, Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, addressed the participants, underscoring the pivotal role that election observer’s play in detecting and preventing electoral fraud. He emphasized that observers serve as guardians of democracy and are vital in promoting trust in electoral processes.
“Impartiality and accurate reporting are essential,” Major General Gyane stated.
"It is crucial that observers avoid distorting or exaggerating information driven by personal beliefs or opinions. Your mission is to report facts as you see them, thereby allowing the democratic process to function effectively."
The Commandant further reiterated the high standards of integrity and professionalism that participants must uphold. "The work you do has the power to shape Ghana’s future," he warned, encouraging participants to commit wholeheartedly to their responsibilities as observers.
The course’s curriculum includes modules on understanding electoral laws, recognizing signs of electoral malpractice, and best practices for reporting findings. By equipping participants with these skills, the program aims to enhance the overall credibility of Ghana’s electoral processes.
As Ghana gears up for future elections, initiatives like this one are vital for fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, further strengthening the democratic foundations of the nation.
This training course represents a collaborative effort to engage young people and women actively in the electoral process, highlighting their vital roles in peace building and governance.
The WYPSI, KAIPTC, and their partners express confidence that this initiative will encourage more citizens to participate responsibly in the electoral process, thereby contributing to a more vibrant democracy in Ghana.
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra Ghana