By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Tongo (U/E), Nov. 23, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged political party youth activists in the Talensi District in the Upper East Region, on tolerance ahead of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
The engagement was part of efforts to strengthen the resilience of the youth groups against violence and to encourage them to be peace ambassadors before, during and after the Election 2024.
The engagement formed part of Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE), a European Union (EU) sponsored project, being implemented by the NCCE in eight regions of Ghana.
It aimed at empowering the youth to understand the concept of electoral violence and how they could build political and ethnic tolerance to ensure social cohesion ahead of the Election 2024.
It was to also educate the youth on the activities of violent extremism and how to build resilience against being radicalised and recruited into extremists’ groups to destabilise the country.
Madam Dorcas Atia, the Talensi District Director of NCCE, said the threats of violent extremism in neighbouring countries were posing significant security threats to the nation, hence the need to collectively safeguard the peace currently enjoyed.
“These sessions aim not only to enhance participants’ understanding of the national policy framework on violent extremism but also to shed light on the dangers and consequences of joining extremist groups.
“By enhancing their awareness of the national policy framework governing violent extremism and highlighting the risks associated with joining extremist groups, we aim to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to champion peace within their circles of influence,” she added.
She explained that the elections were drawing closer and there was the need for the youth to be aware of the dangers of violence in order not to engage in activities that would create violence before, during and after the election.
“Through the discussions on the roles of youth in promoting peace, embracing diversity, and combating misinformation, we aspire to instill a sense of responsibility and empowerment in our young activists,” she said.
Reverend Emmanuel Tiizee Anoeni, the President of the Local Council of Churches, urged the youth to be wary of mis/disinformation, hate speech and fake news to ensure that they verified any information before sharing.
Naab Mwarebilsong Naneeteng, the Chairman of the Talensi Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence before, during and after the elections.
GNA