Preventing Electoral Violence in Ghana: NCCRM Leads Youth-Focused Initiative.

Accra: In a bid to prevent the recurrence of electoral violence in Ghana, the National Centre for the Coordination of Early Warning and Response Mechanism (NCCRM) has taken proactive steps by organizing a two-day workshop aimed at harnessing the power of the youth. This initiative, themed "Harnessing the Power of the Youth in Preventing and Mitigating Electoral Violence in Ghana," seeks to address the persistent issue of electoral violence that has marked Ghana's political landscape since 1992.According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop's objectives included creating awareness about the risks and vulnerabilities associated with electoral violence, enhancing the capacity of the youth to prevent and mitigate such violence, and providing a platform for young people to share their views and propose solutions. The NCCRM, established by Act 1070, operates within multiple thematic areas such as Governance and Human Rights, Security, and Environment, among others, and has identified human security threats related to youth bulge, unemployment, and illegal activities.Participants of the workshop were drawn from various regions, including Greater Accra and Central regions, and included representatives from political parties, transport companies, women associations, and other community groups. The event was organized in partnership with several organizations, including the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), West African Network for Peace Building Ghana (WANEP), and the Ghana Police Service.Colonel Emmanuel Sampson, Director of the NCCRM, emphasized the importance of the workshop in addressing the vulnerabilities facing the country and leveraging the potential of youth as agents of change. He highlighted the significance of the gathering in promoting peaceful electoral processes and commended partners such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the European Union for their support.The workshop comes in the context of increasing threats associated with electoral violence, particul arly involving the youth. Such incidents have been recorded across several regions, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Northern regions, where youth have been implicated in vandalism and violent attacks during elections. The NCCRM has noted several threats to the upcoming December elections, including mistrust of state institutions and hate speech, necessitating the engagement of youth in preventive measures.The role of the youth in electoral violence is underscored by statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service, indicating that 38% of the youth were not engaged in employment, education, or training as of the third quarter of 2023. The NCCRM advocates for the inclusion of youth in peacebuilding efforts, recognizing their potential as pivotal agents of change.In conclusion, the NCCRM's initiative aims to empower the youth to play a constructive role in preventing electoral violence, thus enhancing Ghana's democratic credentials. With the December 7 elections approaching, it is hoped that these efforts will contribute to a peaceful electoral process.