NCCE Engages Bolgatanga East Youth to Prevent Election Violence.

Bolgatanga: The youth in the Bolgatanga East District have been engaged by the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) on processes to prevent them from involving themselves in any form of violence in the run-up to the general elections and thereafter. The civic engagement fosters unity, belongingness, and patriotism; and it was held at Zuarungu.According to Ghana News Agency, the event was attended by youth from polling areas including Kunkua, Yarigabiisi, Dachio, Zuarungu, Polgo, Zuarungu Moshie, Kumbosigo, Kantia, among other communities. The aim was to prevent and contain violent extremism through the promotion of social cohesion, peace, and tolerance in the district and other hotspots.Madam Sadia Baba Sampana, District Director of NCCE, in her welcome address, highlighted the alarming trend of deliberate targeting of youth by extremist groups. She noted that extremists use sophisticated propaganda and recruitment strategies to influence young individuals who may not be aware of the dangers. S he appreciated the peace enjoyed in the area over the years and urged the youth to be ambassadors for continuous peace as elections approached. She also expressed gratitude to the European Union for supporting the youth engagement activities of the NCCE on PCVE.District Superintendent of Police (DSP) in charge of the Zuarungu Police Command, Charles Simpa, reiterated that Ghanaians are not immune to terrorist attacks amidst global threats affecting every country. He pointed out the porous nature of Ghana's borders and mentioned that Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, and La Cote D'Ivoire are suffering from Jihadist and terrorism threats. DSP Simpa stressed the need to guard against acts that enable extremists to infiltrate the country's peace, especially in the volatile Upper East Region.Mr. Michael Awuni, District Coordinating Director of the Assembly, noted the tendency of politicians to stir violence and cautioned the youth to be mindful. Alhaji Chief Issah Ibrahim, Director of Integrated Youth Needs and Welfa re (NTYON) and chairperson of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, guided participants through exercises to guard against violence.