The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged political youth activists in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region to foster peace, tolerance and prevent all forms of violence ahead of the December polls,

The political activists, drawn from various political parties including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the People’s National Congress (PNC), among others, were taken through key topics, including the role of youth in promoting peace, interfaith tolerance, and identifying and countering misinformation.

The engagement formed part of the European Union-sponsored project “Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE),” which the Commission is implementing.

In his welcome address, Abdulai Abdul-Mugis, the East Mamprusi Municipal Director of the NCCE, indicated that the initiative was part of a broader effort to build the resilience of the youth against violent extremism and create a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the elections.

He explained that many political youth activists were often at the forefront of election-related violence and educating them on peaceful coexistence and tolerance was pivotal to shaping Ghana’s political landscape.

“With terrorism and violent extremism also becoming more prevalent in the West African sub-region, particularly in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, Ghana faces increasing security threats, and the youth must not allow themselves to be used by these extremists to cause havoc,” he stated.

Mr Mugis noted that the country had maintained a strong track record of peaceful elections, with successful transitions of power in 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2020, and all stakeholders must ensure that the trend continued to safeguard the peace of the country.

Mr Gariba Sato, the Deputy Regional Director of NCCE, emphasised that as the 2024 elections drew closer, it was critical to ensure that the peace Ghana was enjoying was not disrupted, and the role of the youth activists in ensuring this was paramount.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Cephas Arthur, Divisional Commander of the East Mamprusi Municipality, said while political parties may sometimes exploit their vulnerabilities, especially due to unemployment, such exploitation could be harnessed by extremist groups to propagate violent ideologies.

He urged the youth to be vigilant and guard themselves against being used by anybody to disturb the peace of the country, especially in the upcoming elections.

Reverend Michael Gumah, Chairman of the East Mamprusi Municipal Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, indicated that by educating the political activists on the dangers of violent extremism and the importance of peaceful elections, he was of the firm belief that they could lead by example and encourage their peers to reject violence.