The Ghana Police Service has appealed to the youth to collaborate with the security agencies in maintaining peace in Ghana as the country prepares for the much-anticipated general election on December 7.

It appealed to young people to avoid enticement or motivation to engage in violent acts but to focus on peace campaigns and advocacy as part of their civic responsibilities.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Victor Akakpor, the Sissala West District Commander of the Ghana Police Service, made the appeal in Gwollu in the Sissala West District during an engagement with political party youth activists in the district.

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Sissala West District organised the engagement as part of the implementation of the European Union (EU)-funded “Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) Action in Ghana’s Northern Regions.”

The engagement was to help instil the values of peace and tolerance in political party youth activists, who played a significant role in shaping political discourse.

It was also to highlight the importance of constructive political engagements and the role that youth activists play in maintaining a peaceful political environment.

Mr Akakpor assured the people of the police’s commitment to ensuring a violent-free election and that the support of the youth and the public was inevitable in achieving that target.

“The police will do everything within its mandate to provide public order and safety before, during and after the elections since there is only one Ghana,” he assured.

Mr. Mustapha Iddrisu, the Sissala West District Director of the NCCE, also encouraged political youth activists in the district to embrace peaceful political activities and promote tolerance in their communities as the 2024 elections approached.

He said the NCCE had been implementing a series of programmes under the PCVE programme over the past years, towards preventing and containing violent extremism in the district.

Mr. Iddrisu called on Ghanaians to join efforts in dealing with vote buying and misinformation and promote ethnic and religious tolerance and non-violent actions during the election.

Mr. Victor Nuworpkor, the Upper West Regional Director of the NCCE, emphasised the need for political party youth activists to act responsibly in their election campaign activities and to avoid inflammatory language and personal attacks.

“Use the knowledge you have gained from the engagement and your youthful exuberance to serve as ambassadors of peace by educating others within your communities, groups and political parties to promote peace, tolerance and uphold the rule of law,” he told the youth.

Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Cletus Galyuon, the Gwollu Sector Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, stressed the importance of collaboration between security agencies and community members, especially border communities to ensure a smooth, peaceful electoral process.