Peace Council Identifies Nine Hotspots, 42 Flash Points at Kasoa Ahead of December Election.

Cape Coast: Ahead of the upcoming December 7 election, the National Peace Council (NPC) has identified nine out of the 23 constituencies in the Central Region as hotspots for potential unrest during the electoral process. It mentioned Awutu-Senya-East, Effutu, Agona-West, Assin-North, Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Cape Coast-North, Twifo-Hemang-Lower-Denkyira, and Upper-Denkyira-West and East.According to Ghana News Agency, among these areas, the Council identified a total of 42 flashpoints in the Awutu Senya-East Constituency (Kasoa), which stands out as the most critical in the region known for its overall tranquillity. Rt. Rev. Richardson Aboagye Andam, the Regional Chairman of the Council, revealed these findings during the 'Ghana First Youth Symposium' held at the University of Cape Coast.It was organised by Youth Vision International, a reputable non-governmental organisation dedicated to fostering youth empowerment with support from the Peace Council. On the theme: 'Putting Ghana First,' the Regional Pea ce Council Chair gave the assurance that with the backing of their partners, they had successfully engaged all relevant stakeholders to prevent any potential outbreak of violence before, during, and after the election.Security agencies have been closely monitoring the situation in these identified areas to promptly address any signs of violence that may arise. He appealed to all Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to be tolerant and respect divergent opinions, which were the foundation for fostering social cohesion and preventing electoral violence during both the presidential and parliamentary elections.He said it was imperative for individuals to abstain from engaging in the reprehensible practice of vote buying and selling, a deeply entrenched issue that had perpetuated political corruption and impeded the nation's progress. Likewise, he underscored the fact that no amount of financial inducement should sway voters from fulfilling their civic duty with integrity.Politicians who seek to influence votes through gifts, money, or other incentives, he said, ultimately did so at the expense of the nation's democratic values. Madam Araba Aikins, the Assistant Director at the Cape Coast Metro office, National Commission for Civic Education, urged the youth activists affiliated with political parties to uphold and respect Ghana's electoral regulations to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.She called upon these activists to demonstrate responsibility in their conduct and not allow themselves to be exploited by politicians for narrow electoral gains. Mr Richard Ohene-Kwashie of Vision Youth International, reiterated the organisation's unwavering commitment to empowering the youth for the advancement of the nation. He urged the youth to recognise the invaluable nature of peace, emphasising that Ghana's stability should never be compromised under any circumstances.