The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition is urging first-time voters not to allow themselves to be compromised as they cast their ballot in the 2024 elections for the first time.
With a call on them to vote with integrity, the coalition expects them to confidently cast their ballot without falling for attempts to influence their decision by others.
It believes that a compromised voter is contributing to increasing corruption and the inability to elect right-thinking leaders who are capable of transforming the economy.
As part of the drive to ensure first-time voters confidently participate in the elections without being compromised, the coalition has embarked on voter education in some senior high schools in the Upper East Region.
Speaking at the Zuarungu Senior High School in the Bolgatanga East District, Emmanuel Anafo, Regional Focal Person for the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, urged the first-time voters to be confident and go through the election process to cast their ballot for their preferred candidate without allowing themselves to be influenced.
He shared with the students that a compromised vote is helping to breed corruption and further make it difficult for communities to get the desired development.
Mr. Anafo noted that first-time voters are vulnerable and can be an easy target to influence hence the engagement in the school.
He disclosed that a similar engagement was held at the Tongo Senior High Technical School and others to encourage them to do away with any anxiety and cast their ballot the right way.
“Going into the 9th election come December 7, we saw the need to contact first-time voters, who are likely to have the first-time voter anxiety, and to have them cast their vote with integrity. We have done this in three different senior high schools. Our last stop was Tongo Senior Technical School and we know that if any politician wants to do anything, he would want to target these vulnerable students.” He stressed.
Taking turns, some students expressed excitement that they were going to take part in the elections this year. One student, who gave her name as Jessica, said “I am excited to vote because I want to vote for the right person that can develop our country. I expect the person to develop our schools like water, toilet, furniture, and our food”.
Another, Azure Amina noted “We are suffering with toilets. Every day we have to be in a queue before we can attend to nature’s call.” She said.
