CIVIC EDUCATION AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE S1SSALA EAST DISTRICT OF GHANA

Abstract

Democracy in a country is entrenched when people are politically active. This situation influenced some nations, including Ghana, to implement civic education programmes to that effect. This study focused on the effects of civic education by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on political participation in the Sissala East District of Ghana. The Case Study Design was used. A questionaire and interviews were employed to collect data from a sample size of 95 respondents. Analysis of data utilized descriptive statistics and descriptions. The study found that beneficiaries of civic education had high level of participation in voting in elections, joining a political party, confidence to contest elections, participate in community service and contacting government officials. The study concludes that civic education induces increased participation in political activities. It is therefore, recommended that in order to ensure engagement in political activities in the country does not dip, civic education should target all age groups and that funding be made available to the NCCE to execute its activities.