By Regina Atule
Damongo (S/R), Nov 15, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) under its Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project has organised a stakeholders’ engagement forum for political party youth activists at Damongo in the Savannah Region.
The forum, held with support from the European Union, sought to improve participants’ knowledge and attitude on the culture of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and non-violence.
It was also to build their capacity to help them understand the national policy framework regulating violent extremism and to expose them to the vulnerabilities and the negative repercussions of joining violent extremist groups.
Other issues focused on included the role of the youth, in promoting peace and identifying and countering misinformation and disinformation.
Reverend Kenneh Kwarkye Marfo, Head Pastor, Church of Pentecost, Damongo District, speaking at the forum, highlighted the need for political and religious tolerance, saying promoting peace would guarantee freedom of worship and movement, which were essential human rights.
He emphasised that differences in religion, faith, practices, values, doctrine, and language should not spark conflicts but rather unify the people.
Mr Issaka Zitor, Savannah Regional Director of NCCE, highlighted the country’s successful conduct of eight presidential and parliamentary elections, resulting in peaceful transitions and transfers of political power and urged the youth to embrace peace before, during and after the elections.
Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, West Gonja Municipal Director of NCCE, said due to violent extremism activities in the sub-region, it was imperative that measures were taken to make the citizenry aware of the threat as measures were taken to prevent them in the country.
He said, “As the nation gears up to the 2024 elections, it is necessary to foster a culture of peace and tolerance amongst the youth, who are the highest demographic group and play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape.”
He urged participants to engage in issues-based politics refraining from insults and personal attacks.
GNA