Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, says that citizens must hold politicians accountable throughout their entire time in office.

According to her, politicians naturally think in four-year cycles, as their performance is typically assessed every four years.

Mrs Addy noted that when politicians operate with this mindset, there are certain outcomes, both intentional and unintentional.

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She added that the NCCE is addressing this issue by fostering a civic orientation that encourages citizens to look beyond the four-year electoral cycle.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Mrs. Addy said, “Citizens must have an expectation that is not just that ‘okay, this is the fourth year, it is the election it is the cocoa season, we are harvesting’. Citizens must hold elected officials accountable throughout the entire four years.”

The NCCE Chairperson stated that citizens should not accept money from politicians in exchange for their votes.

She added that politicians are elected to represent their interests and be held accountable, rather than citizens waiting until the fourth year to receive money.

 Mrs Addy explained that this issue reflects a mindset deficit and that citizens need to understand that once they elect leaders, they become part of the system responsible for holding those leaders accountable until the next election.

“They think in four-year cycles because they are assessed in that way. We, the citizens, must think beyond this. We should not wait for four years to do the assessment. The accountability element of being a good citizen must start from day one. The day you elect somebody to represent you is the day you actively hold the person accountable and make sure that they deliver for you what they promise, up until the fourth year. Then you get the chance to choose again”.