The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged religious institutions in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, as part of efforts to ensure peaceful 2024 general elections.

The Commission, in collaboration with the executives of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC), engaged stakeholders from the Assemblies of God Church in Tongo, Church of Pentecost in Tongo, Evangelical Church in Winkongo and the Church of Pentecost in Pusu-Namongo.

Apart from organising a peace walk in collaboration with the Bible Society of Ghana, the Commission and the IPDC also held a community durbar at Kpatia community, to drum home the need to ensure peace before, during and after the December 7 elections.

Speaking at separate engagements, Ms Dorcas Atia, the Talensi District Director of the NCCE, said the Commission was committed to building the capacity of the citizenry through civic education.

The District Director explained that ensuring peaceful elections required the responsibility of all and urged the religious bodies to play critical roles in educating members of the public to respect the country’s diversity and harness it for sustainable development.

Apart from urging the stakeholders to abide by the laws of the country and eschew all activities that had the potential to disrupt the peace of the country, Ms Atia urged Ghanaians to be tolerant and use non-violent means to resolve their differences.

“Engage in constructive dialogues and debates that promote understanding and mutual respect. Let us communicate with civility, listening to each other’s perspectives without resorting to hostility.

“Refrain from spreading hate speech or incendiary rhetoric. Words have power; let us use them responsibly to build bridges, not walls.”

That, Ms Atia added, would help strengthen community ties and foster solidarity within the neighbourhoods and urged members of the public to be vigilant and promote a sense of belonging that transcends political affiliations.

“Let us stand united as one people, committed to upholding the peace and integrity of our electoral process. Our actions today will shape the Ghana of tomorrow. Together, we can make December 7th a day of unity, progress, and democracy”, she said.

Mr Sandwo Kayuri, a Chief Field Officer, at NCCE, said the election was crucial to the development of the country and urged the stakeholders to prioritise activities that would help to unite the country and foster inclusive development.

“By prioritizing these measures and fostering a culture of peace, dialogue, and respect for democratic values, Ghana can conduct successful elections that reflect the will of the people and contribute to national unity, stability, and progress,” he said.

Naab Mwarebilsong Naneeteng, a divisional Chief of Gaare Traditional Area and a chairman of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) on Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE), advised the public particularly the youth to resist attempts by politicians to cause mayhem during the election.

He said the country belonged to the youth and they needed to keep it safe for sustainable development.