NCCE Urges Ghanaian Youth to Resist Political Manipulation Ahead of Elections.

Bawku: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has issued a cautionary message to the youth in Ghana, urging them not to allow politicians to use them as tools for violence in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. Mr. Daniel Baya Laar, the Bawku Municipal Director of the Commission, emphasized the importance of vigilance among the youth to maintain peace even as the political climate intensifies ahead of the 2024 general elections.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Laar spoke to youth groups from border towns in the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region. This engagement was part of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project, which is currently being implemented by the Commission in eight regions of Ghana with support from the European Union. The project aims to raise awareness about the risks of violent extremism and related conflicts, especially with the upcoming elections in view.The sensitization sessions are also designed to enhance the youth's understanding of peacebuilding strategies, social cohesion, and community-based mechanisms to identify early warning signs and counter the spread of arms. Mr. Laar underscored the need to instill patriotism, civic responsibility, and a culture of tolerance in the youth to effectively counter the activities of violent extremists.Mr. Laar noted that violent extremism remains a significant threat to global security and social cohesion, with youth being frequent targets, particularly those who are marginalized, resource-poor, or dissatisfied with governance. He advised young people to leverage the sensitization efforts to expand their perspectives and contribute positively to democratic discourse through dialogue and collaboration.The youth were also cautioned about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, which could lead to chaos, particularly during the election period. Mr. Laar urged them to always verify information before disseminating it.Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Rockson Akanbang , Officer in Charge of the Mognori Border, Ghana Immigration Service, highlighted the escalating global activities of violent extremists and stressed the necessity for Ghana to prepare to prevent any potential spillover. He reminded participants that security is a collective responsibility, and communities must support legitimate agencies to ensure safety and stability.Reverend Fr. John Kantongi Kanzire, Vice Chairman of the Bawku NCCE Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, called for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure peace and social cohesion, emphasizing the importance of respect and tolerance in achieving these goals.