By Albert Futukpor
Tamale, Dec 4, GNA – The Promoting Actions to Address Vulnerabilities in Elections (PAVE) in Northern Ghana project has been launched to improve peace and security in the country’s electoral process through transparency, inclusion and civic consciousness towards a credible outcome.
The 20-week project, which is being implemented in nine districts of three regions in the northern part of the country, seeks to increase civic awareness amongst minority ethnic and excluded groups for inclusive electoral outcomes.
The districts are Gushegu, Karaga and Saboba in the Northern Region, Central Gonja, West Gonja and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Savannah Region, and Chereponi, Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri and Yunyoo-Nasuan in the North East Region.
The PAVE project is being implemented by the Centre for Social and Development (CSD) Reform, an NGO, in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Coastal States Stability Mechanism.
Mr David Yiridong Issaka, the Executive Director, CSD Reform, speaking during the launch in Tamale, said the project, which started last month and would end in March, 2025, would use community faces and voices to formulate and disseminate voter literacy messages in local languages to ensure that voter literacy materials were inclusive and promoted participation.
He mentioned some of the local languages, which included Dagbanli, Kpankpanlli, Anufor, Gonja, Bimoba, and Fufulde.
He said: “The participation of minority ethnic groups in the election is of significant importance to the project, aimed at improving cohesion and respecting the rights of eligible voters irrespective of their gender, race, and ethnicity.”
Madam Ekanem Bassey, the Head of Sub-Office, Coastal States Stability Mechanism, said the project would contribute to promoting peace and resilience before, during and after the general election.
“Ghana is a peaceful country and we all have to contribute in maintaining the peace,” she said.
Mr Mahama Osman, Karaga District Director, NCCE, lauded the project and said: “It is easy to partner and support this project because its activities are in line with our traditional duties as NCCE. Sensitising the people on national issues and their social well-being is one of our main responsibilities.”
Alhaji Abdul Razak Saani, Council Member, Northern Regional Peace Council, commended CSD Reform and its partners for the initiative as it would improve social cohesion and sustain the peace.
“As Peace Council, sustaining peace is our priority. Therefore, this project will enhance and complement our efforts of ensuring sustainable peace and security, and for that matter, we are solidly behind you throughout this project.”
GNA