Election 2024: Youth Urged to Support Security Agencies in Ghana’s Peace Maintenance.

Gwollu: The Ghana Police Service has appealed to the youth to collaborate with the security agencies in maintaining peace in Ghana as the country prepares for the much-anticipated general election on December 7.According to Ghana News Agency, the appeal was made by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr. Victor Akakpor, the Sissala West District Commander of the Ghana Police Service. The address took place in Gwollu, within the Sissala West District, during an engagement with political party youth activists. The event was organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the district as part of the European Union (EU)-funded 'Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) Action in Ghana's Northern Regions.'The engagement aimed to instill values of peace and tolerance in political party youth activists, acknowledging their significant role in shaping political discourse. It also highlighted the necessity of constructive political engagements and the crucial role youth activists p lay in maintaining a peaceful political environment.Mr. Akakpor assured attendees of the police's commitment to ensuring a violent-free election, emphasizing the inevitable need for support from both the youth and the public to achieve this goal. "The police will do everything within its mandate to provide public order and safety before, during and after the elections since there is only one Ghana," he stated.Mr. Mustapha Iddrisu, the Sissala West District Director of the NCCE, further encouraged the district's political youth activists to embrace peaceful political activities and promote tolerance as the 2024 elections approach. He noted that the NCCE had been implementing various programs under the PCVE initiative over recent years aimed at preventing and containing violent extremism in the district.He urged Ghanaians to join efforts in addressing issues like vote buying and misinformation while promoting ethnic and religious tolerance and non-violence during the election period. Mr. Victor Nuworpkor, Upper West Regional Director of the NCCE, highlighted the responsibility of political party youth activists to avoid inflammatory language and personal attacks in their campaign activities."Youth should use the knowledge gained from this engagement and their youthful exuberance to serve as ambassadors of peace by educating others within their communities, groups, and political parties to promote peace, tolerance, and uphold the rule of law," he advised.Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Mr. Cletus Galyuon, Gwollu Sector Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, underscored the importance of collaboration between security agencies and community members, especially in border communities, to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.