By Albert Futukpor
Wulensi (N/R), Nov 15, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has mobilised political party youth activists (PPYA) in the Wulensi Constituency in the Nanumba South District to promote peace and tolerance throughout this year’s election period.
It formed part of the European Union-funded Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project with the aim to equip the youth with information for inter group tolerance, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.
The event, held at Wulensi, was attended by youth activists of the New Patriotic Party, the National Democratic Congress, youth parliament and Civic Education Club.
Discussions focused on topics such as the role of youth in promoting inter group tolerance and peaceful coexistence and identifying and dealing with misinformation, and disinformation.
Mr George Konlan, Nanumba South District Director of NCCE, speaking during the event, noted that young people were often the perpetrators and victims of political violence.
He urged them to reject vigilantism, protect their communities’ image and channel their energies into creating a prosperous society for themselves and future generations.
He emphasised that “The youth need to learn to tolerate other persons despite political, religious and ethnic differences so that they can create a peaceful atmosphere for sustainable development.”
He urged political party youth to campaign based on policy issues rather than threats and insults to political opponents.
Mr Konlan also urged them to avoid tribal politics that highlighted divisions and fueled inter group rivalry saying “After issues-based campaign, political parties should deploy highly competent and vigilant polling agents to protect their votes.”
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr Salifu Yahaya, Wulensi District Police Commander, who was a facilitator, said misinformation, and disinformation created unnecessary threats to peaceful elections, hence the need for the citizenry to desist from such practices.
He encouraged political party youth wings to set up monitoring and response teams to assess, analyse, verify, and crosscheck any information reaching them, especially through social media.
Participants recognised that they were one people and did not have to insult, threaten or fight among themselves, as they would remain together after the elections.
GNA