Accra – In a significant step toward fostering accountability and transparency in governance, Penplusbytes has introduced the “Voters Compass,” a pioneering digital platform designed to track and analyze political party promises. Launched in Accra, this tool allows voters to compare key policy areas and assess commitments made in party manifestos, focusing on issues that are most relevant to them.
The Voters Compass was developed by Penplusbytes in collaboration with VoteSwiper, a German civic tech organization, and with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office. Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Jerry Sam, Executive Director of Penplusbytes, highlighted the platform’s mission to empower Ghanaians with verified information on political promises, candidate profiles, and election procedures, helping them make informed choices in the upcoming 2024 elections.
In addition to the digital tool, Penplusbytes has introduced the “Voters Compass Political Dialogue,” a forum intended to promote transparent dialogue on governance and election issues. The dialogue, live-streamed for broader access, brings together political leaders, civil society groups, and university students for open conversations around party manifestos.
“Through the Voters Compass, we aim to bring citizens closer to the electoral process, allowing them to scrutinize and understand political promises,” said Mr. Sam. He added that this initiative is an extension of Penplusbytes’ African Elections Project, which has championed accountability and inclusive governance across Africa since 2008.
Madam Sivine Jansen, Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana, expressed hope that the Voters Compass would serve as an educational tool for Ghanaians, especially the youth, helping them make well-informed voting decisions. “The platform is user-friendly and designed to actively engage young voters, a group whose participation is essential for vibrant democracy,” she said.
The launch also featured a panel discussion with representatives from various political parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Move for Change, and Independent Presidential candidate Mr. Kofi Koranteng, who shared their respective visions for Ghana.
As the 2024 elections approach, the Voters Compass offers a promising avenue for voters to navigate and critically engage with political commitments, reinforcing democratic accountability in Ghana.
