By Regina Atule
Damongo (S/R), Nov 18, GNA – The Savannah Regional Youth Network with support from the Empowerment for Life Programme (E4L Programme) has organised a sensitisation and awareness creation exercise for various youth groups on peaceful elections.
It was to promote peace and to equip participants with knowledge on electoral regulations, tribal and political tolerance to play vital role in maintaining peace and ensuring a smooth democratic process.
It was attended by youth groups from Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, North Gonja and West Gonja Assemblies.
Mr Salam Abdulai, Savannah Regional Coordinator, E4L Programme, addressing participants during the event at Damongo, spoke against electoral violence and urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used as tools for violence.
Mr Abdulai encouraged the youth to recognise their inherent potential as future leaders and cautioned them against permitting politicians to stifle their aspirations, emphasising, “Demonstrate exemplary conduct by adhering to the law and electoral regulations to protect your precious lives.”
Mr Issaka Zitor, Savannah Regional Director, National Commission for Civic Education, said the region was one of the most peaceful regions in the country, adding that maintaining peace for continuous development was critical.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Charles Aniagyei, West Gonja Municipal Police Commander, said elections were a major feature of democracy but not violence, urging the youth to respect their political differences, promote tolerance, and avoid hate speech.
Mr Adam Mashud, Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Damongo Constituency, spoke about peace and justice, saying “True peace cannot exist without justice, and when people feel that justice is not being served, they may resort to self-defense, which leads to conflict.”
He pledged the NDC’s commitment to ensuring peace before, during and after the polls and urged the youth to adopt issues-based politics devoid of insults.
GNA