By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog
Kongo (U/E), Sept. 12, GNA- Mr Joachim Elbazer, the Nabdam District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on Ghanaian women to spearhead peace-building advocacy ahead of the 2024 elections.
Speaking to the Women’s Ministry of the Assemblies of God Church in the Upper East Region, he said the role of women in peacebuilding was crucial, and a commitment by them would solidify the peace of the country before, during, and after the elections.
“Election 2024 is considered crucial because while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is seeking reelection, and touting their achievements, their main contenders, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is citing economic hardship and the need for them to be kicked out”
He noted this had created some tension as both parties were eager to capture political power and urged stakeholders to ensure the country was peaceful and governable regardless of who won the elections.
The Director made the call when he addressed the women at their regional retreat in Kongo, Nabdam District in the Upper East Region.
He reiterated that existing conflicts between communities were fertile grounds for the activities of the violent extremists to flourish, and the women must consider peacebuilding as a key responsibility for them to maintain the peace of the country.
He said the NCCE had been working with various stakeholders to build resilience of communities to prevent any spillover from the activities of the extremists in neighbouring countries and there was the need for collective efforts to achieve maximum impact.
He said the PCVE project aimed at strengthening state and non-state actors at the national and community levels in the fight against the activities of violent extremists.
Through the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project being implemented by the NCCE with funding support from the European Union (EU), many communities have been empowered to report suspicious characters and work with law enforcement agencies to promote peace.
Mrs Grace Asana, the Upper East Regional Assistant Director of the women’s ministries, commended the NCCE for championing peace ahead of the elections and pledged to consolidate its effort by continually sensitising her members.
She said one of the pillars of the ministry was to ensure unity and peace among its members, and it was committed to fostering education on the activities of violent extremists to ensure sustainable peace.
GNA