GhanaElection 2008 · 460 Deputy Returning Officers · 21,004 Presiding Officers · 84,016 Polling Assistants. Training of Election Officials was done in two(2) phases. These were preceded by the key trainers training(KTT) which covered Regional Directors and their deputies. These were then followed by training of Trainers(TOT) in the various regions involving District Electoral Officers and their deputies on the management of the election process. The final phase of the training which was from 28 th November to 4 th December, 2008, covered Presiding Officers, Polling Assistants and Party/Candidate's Agents at designated towns and villages at the districts level. They were trained on the election procedures, completion of forms, collation of results, declaration of results and other responsibilities. Public Education and Awareness The Commission embarked on elaborate public education programmes to sensitize the general public to take part in the general elections. Prospective voters were educated on the need to exercise their franchise as a civil responsibility and how to go through the voting process. Public education and awareness for the elections was conducted in diverse ways, including the following: · The Head Office placed adverts and jingles in the print and electronic media. · The use of public address systems mounted on all Commission vehicles in the districts for street announcements. · There was also the use of gong-gong in the rural areas. · Election officials, community leaders, leaders of faith-based organizations and various associations were provided with flyers which they used to create awareness for the elections. · Workshops were organized to sensitize major stakeholders. 43