Fatima Anafu-Astanga
Zuarungu (U/E) Nov.20, GNA-Political party youth activists in the Bolgatanga East Constituency have called on the security agencies and the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that voting ends smoothly at polling stations long queues.
They said some polling stations, sub decided into ‘A’ and ‘B’ have over the election years, experienced long queues because of their high numbers of registered voters who come to exercise their voting franchise on election days.
Also, at the time voting is expected to end, such places continue to have long queues of voters awaiting to cast their vote.
The party activists who made the call noted that such a situation gave room for tension and anxiety in the youth especially when end of voting time approached and people begin to gather again for THE counting ballots.
They thus urged the security and the Electoral Commission to ensure such does not occur.
The meeting was part of engagements carried out by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on containing violent extremism and terrorism, as the December 7 2024 general elections approached.
The engagement was on the theme: “Preventing, Containing Violent Extremism”, and it was funded by the European Union.
Ms. Sadia Baba Sampana, District Director of the Commission, who earlier addressed the participants said violent extremism and terrorism continue to remain a serious challenge for preservation of democratic governance which is essential for peace, prosperity and safety in the country.
Terrorism and other forms of violence including violent extremism have the potential to derail democratic gains as the country prepared for the 2024 elections.
“It is therefore crucial for action to be taken to address the rising threats of violent extremism that posed significant threat to the stability and security of Ghana”, she said
Ms. Sampana said the engagement, among others, was aimed at undertaking peace building meetings and work with stakeholders in averting violent extremism, promote peaceful coexistence and National cohesion before, during and after the election in the Bolgatanga East District.
DSP Charles Simpa, Bolgatanga East District Police Commander who also spoke to the participants affirmed the security preparedness in the district to ensure life and property are safe.
He encouraged them to avoid joining any grouping around the polling stations while voting is ongoing and advised them to leave the grounds when they have cast their vote while stressing that any of such will be pursued out of the polling stations.
Alhaji Chief Issah Ibrahim, Director of integrated Youth Needs and Welfare ( NTYON) and chairperson of the Inter Party Dialogue Committee also took the participants through exercises that will guide and guard them against violence.
He also urged the participants who represented the various political parties in the constituency to analyze any situation before taking action since their actions could create negative implications in the district and on themselves and families.
The party activists took turns in various exercises that help in co-existence and social cohesion and at the end of the program signed a communique to be vigilant and ensure peace before and after the December 7 elections.
GNA