2024 Elections: Be Ambassadors of Peace – NCCE to Youth.

BOLGATANGA: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has advised Ghanaian youth to eschew political violence ahead of the 2024 Ghana's presidential and parliamentary elections in December. Instead, Mr. James Abdulai Ayaala, the Upper East Regional Director of the Commission, urged the youth to be peace ambassadors and spearhead peaceful campaigns to ensure free and fair elections.According to Ghana News Agency, the Regional Director emphasized the importance of collective efforts and the critical role of the youth in ensuring peace and stability before, during, and after the elections, to enhance sustainable development. Speaking to students of the Bolgatanga Midwifery College, he highlighted the engagement as part of the European Union (EU) sponsored project, 'Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE),' implemented by the NCCE in eight regions of Ghana.The initiative aims to empower the youth to understand the concept of electoral violence and build political and ethnic tolerance to en sure social cohesion ahead of the 2024 elections. It also seeks to educate students on violent extremism activities and how to build resilience against being recruited into extremist groups that could destabilize the country.Mr. Ayaala explained that tensions often run high during election periods, with stakes particularly elevated this year due to the personalities of the two leading political parties involved. Despite the interest, he stressed the need for unity and peace to prevent extremists from exploiting the situation to destabilize the country. He referenced neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, which have experienced violent extremist activities, reinforcing the Commission's commitment to educating and preaching peace.Mr. Ali Anankpieng, the Executive Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, cautioned students against the influence and recruitment by extremist groups, noting the tempting offers they might encounter amid economic challenges and unemployment. He urged the youth to build resilience against such attempts and be critical when consuming and sharing information on social media to avoid being deceived.Mr. Milton Aberinga, Programmes Director at the Development Research and Advocacy Centre (DRAC), a civil society organization, advised students not to sell their conscience and votes to politicians during the elections, warning that financial influence could lead to electoral violence and underdevelopment.