The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from the European Union has organized a youth engagement forum in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region to promote peace and prevent violent extremism as Ghana approaches the December 7, 2024 general elections. The forum, held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the District Assembly Conference Hall in Buipe, aimed to foster dialogue and tolerance among political party youth activists.
Participants included youth leaders from major political parties, opinion leaders, representatives from faith-based organizations, and people living with disabilities, all coming together to discuss crucial issues affecting the upcoming elections. The topics covered included the role of the youth in promoting peace, the importance of interfaith tolerance, electoral violence, and strategies for identifying and countering misinformation and disinformation.
In his address, Mr. Saaka Muftawu, the District Civic Education Officer of the NCCE, emphasized the critical role of the youth in maintaining the country’s peace. He cautioned against the vulnerability of young people to political manipulation, noting that some politicians exploit this vulnerability to incite violence. He urged the youth to reject political violence and stay committed to peaceful practices in the lead-up to and after the elections.
Chief Gbankulso Boah Abraham, the chair of the program, highlighted the risks posed by extremism, noting that the youth are often the primary target for recruitment. He warned that during election periods, the internet and social media become breeding grounds for misinformation and fake news, which extremist groups can exploit. He called on participants to carefully verify the information they encounter online and to be cautious before sharing or commenting on unverified content.
Mr. Dari Musah, a peacebuilding expert from WANEP (West Africa Network for Peacebuilding), stressed the importance of tolerance and understanding among youth from different ethnic, religious, and political backgrounds. He explained that peace is sustained when individuals respect differing viewpoints and work together as one. Musah reminded participants that politics is about choice, and the youth must reject violence, opting instead for dialogue and peaceful engagement. He concluded by urging participants to reflect on the peaceful nature of Ghana and the consequences of losing that peace.
The forum was highly interactive and participatory, providing attendees with an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities in promoting a peaceful electoral environment. It underscored the NCCE’s commitment to ensuring that the youth play a pivotal role in fostering a peaceful and democratic Ghana as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections.
