By Philip Tengzu
Banwon, (UW/R), Nov. 10, GNA – The Lambussie District office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged youth groups in border communities in the district on the need to prioritise peace before, during, and after the 2024 general election.
The engagement formed part of the Preventing and Containing Violence Extremism (PCVE) project implemented by the NCCE with funding from the European Union.
The PCVE project, being implemented in the five regions in the north and some hotspots in the country, was aimed to build the resilience of the people to prevent and contain violence extremism through promoting social cohesion, peace, and tolerance.
Speaking at the engagement at Banwon, a community in the Lambussie District, Mr Amatus Taalar, the NCCE Officer In-Charge of the Lambussie District, cautioned the youth against joining violence extremist groups as that could destruct the peace of the country.
He indicated that the engagement sought to educate young people on the negative consequences of joining violent extremist groups and the legal framework that prohibits such activities in Ghana.
Mr Taalar highlighted Ghana’s vulnerability to violent extremism due to its proximity to countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo that had suffered insurgencies.
He stressed the need for the youth to take responsibility of safeguarding the peace of the country as Ghana goes to the polls on December 7.
“Before the elections, we expect actions that will unite us, such as unity, tolerance, and fostering the idea of Ghana First,” Mr Taalar stated.
He cautioned the youth against destructive campaign practices, including defacing posters of political opponents, campaigning with weapons, inciting ethnic tensions, and engaging in electoral fraud.
On his part, Reverend Father Boniface Tawel of the St. George’s Parish in Piina, emphasised the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to instill peace in society.
“When stakeholders collaborate to embrace effective dialogue, it creates a conducive environment for peaceful coexistence and helps avert violent extremism,” he stated.
Rev. Tawel said prioritising peace and the interests of the people was essential for the development and growth of any society.
He also underscored the vital role of communities in the fight against violence, extremism, and radicalisation, which could lead to terrorism.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Mr Anthony Lanne, the Second-in-Command for the Hamile Border Post, reiterated the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections.
He encouraged the youth to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities according to the law and reminded the people of the “See something, Say something” slogan.”
GNA