Youth Urged to Promote Peace During Elections in Savannah Region.

Savannah: The Savannah Regional Youth Network, with support from the Empowerment for Life Programme (E4L Programme), has conducted a sensitisation and awareness creation exercise aimed at educating various youth groups on the importance of peaceful elections. The initiative focused on equipping participants with knowledge about electoral regulations, tribal and political tolerance, thereby enabling them to play a vital role in maintaining peace and ensuring a smooth democratic process.According to Ghana News Agency, the event was attended by youth groups from Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, North Gonja, and West Gonja Assemblies. Mr. Salam Abdulai, the Savannah Regional Coordinator of the E4L Programme, addressed participants during the event held in Damongo, advocating against electoral violence. He urged the youth not to allow themselves to be manipulated into becoming instruments of violence. Mr. Abdulai encouraged them to recognize their potential as future leaders and warned against letting politicians hinder their aspirations, stressing the importance of adhering to the law and electoral regulations to safeguard their lives.Mr. Issaka Zitor, Savannah Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, highlighted the region's reputation as one of the most peaceful in the country. He emphasized that maintaining peace is crucial for continuous development. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr. Charles Aniagyei, West Gonja Municipal Police Commander, reiterated that elections are a cornerstone of democracy, not a pretext for violence. He urged the youth to respect political differences, foster tolerance, and refrain from hate speech.Additionally, Mr. Adam Mashud, Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Damongo Constituency, spoke about the interconnection of peace and justice. He stated, "True peace cannot exist without justice, and when people feel that justice is not being served, they may resort to self-defense, which leads to conflict." He assured th e NDC's commitment to ensuring peace before, during, and after the elections, urging the youth to engage in issues-based politics free from insults.