NCCE Sensitises Bolgatanga Technical University Students on Preventing Violent Extremism and Ensuring Peaceful Elections.

BOLGATANGA: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has conducted a sensitisation program for students of the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) in the Upper East Region. The initiative aimed to educate students on preventing violent extremism and promoting peace during the upcoming general elections.According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement was part of the second phase of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project, funded by the European Union. The project seeks to equip students with knowledge to act as influencers against violent extremism, particularly during the electoral period and beyond.The program focused on expanding students' understanding of peace-building mechanisms, social cohesion, and community-based strategies. These strategies include identifying early warning signals and countering arms proliferation in communities.Mr. James Abdulai Ayaala, the Upper East Regional Director of the NCCE, urged students to become peace ambassadors and to avoid activ ities that could incite violence as elections approach. He emphasized the importance of focusing on their education to secure a prosperous future.Mr. Ayaala also promoted the initiative, "See Something, Say Something," encouraging students to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.Superintendent David Nii Noi Nartey, Head of Intel at the Upper East Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service, advised students to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He warned against being used by politicians to incite violence, highlighting the legal consequences and potential risks to their lives.Mr. Milton Aberinga, Programmes Director at the Development Research and Advocacy Centre (DRAC), cautioned against vote buying, labeling it as a threat to the country's democratic process.The event also featured two ECOWAS Observers who discussed the role of the West African body in monitoring elections to ensure they are free, fair, and credible.