By Albert Futukpor
Salaga (S/R), Nov 22, GNA – The East Gonja Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged youth of the various political parties in the area on peace and tolerance before, during and after this year’s polls.
The day’s event, held at Salaga in the Savannah Region with support from the European Union, was aimed at inculcating in the youth the need to develop a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Iddrisu Abdul-Latif, East Gonja Municipal Director of NCCE, speaking during the event, said whilst the country had conducted general elections over the years in the Fourth Republic with power alternating between two political parties, there was no room for complacency.
He said: “As the 2024 general election approaches, it is imperative to foster a culture of peace and tolerance amongst the youth, who are often the perpetrators of electoral violence.”
He said most of the youth participated in violence out of ignorance of electoral regulations, adding, “Political leaders in most cases take advantage of their vulnerability to perpetuate violence for a pittance.”
He touched on the threat of violent extremism and the need for the community members to support efforts at preventing such attacks in the country.
Mr. Vincent Issahaku Bukari, who was a resource person at the event, said violent extremism remained a major security threat facing the African continent and urged the youth to assess the job offers they came across on social media since extremists took advantage of their desperation for money and job to spread violent ideologies.
He advised young people not to be lured into joining extremist groups, urging them to report suspicious characters to security agencies for prompt action.
Mr. Mumin Mohammed, who was also a resource person, spoke about misinformation, disinformation and monetisation in politics, and advised participants to fact-check information, indicating, false information could lead to conflict.
He advised the youth to lead by example and encourage their peers to adopt peaceful approaches in their endeavours.
GNA