Community members in Adabraka, located in the Ashanti region, have united with religious, traditional, and political leaders to combat any election-related violence and misconduct before, during, and after the 2024 elections.

The residents, along with invited guests from the region, also recited the Holy Quran in hopes of seeking Allah's intervention within the period.

Led by the Songhai Youth of the area and aimed at young people, the Adabraka central mosque was filled with both men and women who gathered to hear discussions on the importance of peaceful coexistence and tolerance of differing views.

Chief Imam Sheikh Alhassan Ali Osman urged the community to practice restraint and work together to maintain the peace that currently exists.

He referred to the Zongo community, where discarded bones are left after the meat is eaten, symbolizing how the youth are often used for certain agendas. He cautioned that young people are sometimes encouraged to participate in ballot box snatching during elections and therefore should learn from the past not to engage in such acts.

Sheikh Osman attributes these actions to a lack of proper parenting and the failure of parents to provide a good upbringing for their children.

"Children involved in drugs often lack good parenting. I urge parents to take their responsibilities seriously, as this will have a positive impact on their children's lives," he stated.

Atafohene Nana Kwadwo Ahen II emphasized that peace and harmony can only thrive if everyone takes responsibility for fostering it. He urged residents not to respond to anyone encouraging them to participate in violent activities during or after the elections.

“If anyone tells you to commit an offense, suggest they use their own children,” he said.

He expressed that once politicians realize they cannot rely on others to do their bidding, they will be compelled to change their behaviour.

The Atafohene stated that if violence erupts, politicians may finally learn from their long-standing practice of using the youth to instigate conflict.

 “Let’s prioritize Ghana above all else, and by doing so, we will undoubtedly achieve our goals of peace and harmony,” he said.

The district police commander for Tafo/Pankrono, ASP Joseph Engmen, advised the youth not to allow political parties to recruit them for vigilantism and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

He emphasized that political party communicators should avoid making unsubstantiated claims, and he reminded everyone that security officers remain neutral. If you witness any wrongdoing, please report it to the police.

“Don't take the law into your own hands,” he advised the youth.

The regional EC director, Francis Osei-Nsiah, attended the event to reassure residents that the Electoral Commission (EC) is impartial and committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. He mentioned that the EC has been collaborating closely with political parties throughout the electoral process. “We anticipate no issues with the political parties, except in cases where there is a lack of mutual understanding among the public,” he stated.

The Youth Chief for Songhai Youth, Baba Issah Ahmed, emphasized the significance of the gathering in reinforcing the existing peace.

He noted that having been born in Ghana and experienced its peaceful environment, it is vital to prevent any disruptions.

“Election periods can often bring about unsettling events. There have been many recorded fatalities, so this gathering was meant for prayer, asking Allah to guide everyone,” he said.

A resident and member of the Songhai youth, Nuhu Fahad expressed that it is their duty to help ensure a peaceful election in the country.