NCCE Calls on Political Activists to Prioritise Safety Ahead of December Polls.

Nabdam: Mr Joachim Elbazar, the Nabdam District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has urged political party activists to prioritize their safety and refrain from engaging in activities that could endanger them during the 2024 elections. He highlighted the role of political activists in instigating electoral violence and called for an end to such practices, encouraging them to focus on more productive endeavors instead.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Elbazar emphasized the exploitation of vulnerable, often unemployed, youth by some political party leaders to incite disturbances for minimal reward. This advice was delivered during a session with political youth from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress, as part of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project.The PCVE project, funded by the European Union, is being executed by the NCCE across eight regions in the country. It seeks to educate young people on the risks of violent extremism and electoral violence, highlighting the significance of peaceful democratic participation and enhancing their knowledge of peacebuilding strategies to combat arms proliferation.Mr James Abdulai Ayaala, the Upper East Regional Director of the NCCE, remarked on the distinctive nature of the 2024 elections, with two northern brothers from the major political parties contesting. He stressed that it should not be seen as a do-or-die affair, urging political activists to adopt a peaceful stance.Additionally, Mr Hamidu Abugri, District Officer of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), noted the susceptibility of the youth to recruitment by violent extremist groups and urged political activists to remain vigilant against such influences.Mr Tiwol Emmanuel, Chairperson of the Inter Party Dialogue Committee, appealed to political activists to embrace tolerance and respect for diverse opinions. He underscored the importance of fostering peaceful dialogue and cooperation among the youth to ensure a peaceful election and promote social harmony.