President Mahama urged to declare Tuesday a public holiday

August 31, 2015 11:34 AM

Voter turnout in past polls has been low as Ghanaians are said to be less interested in district level elections

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There have been calls from several quarters directed at the president to declare Tuesday, September 1 a public holiday in order to enable most Ghanaians participate in the district level elections.

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The elections, which were originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, will be held nationwide to elect district assembly and unit committee members.

Voter turnout in past polls has been low as Ghanaians are said to be less interested in district level elections as compared to presidential and parliamentary elections.

Though the blame has been laid at the doorstep of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for low-key education, Dean of Graduate Studies at the Institute of Local Government Studies Dr Eric Oduro Osae said enough education has been done this time around.

Speaking on TV3’s News 360 on Sunday, Dr Osae called on the president to “put the icing on the cake” by using his executive powers to declare Tuesday a holiday in order to afford most eligible voters - especially those in the working class - to cast their votes.

He said the election of local leaders is crucial as those leaders are vital in the chain of governance.