By Emelia B. Addae
Asesewa (E/R), Dec. 13, GNA – The Eastern Regional Peace Council has taken steps to tackle the challenges associated with election-related conflicts in Asesewa in the Upper Manya Krobo Municipality.
Key issues identified contributing to the tensions and threatening the peace of the area included misinformation, miscommunication, intolerance, and youth involvement in election violence.
During a community engagement session held in Asesewa, Superintendent Francis Mensah, the District Police Commander, described misinformation as inaccurate messages communicated to groups of people due to a lack of clarity, which increased the likelihood that individuals would believe such messages.
He noted that misinformation, coupled with miscommunication, had led to disagreements, and created a tense environment, resulting in youth in the Asesewa constituency engaging in various forms of violence.
Regarding media-related issues in election violence, he highlighted that inflammatory speeches made by political party executives and broadcast on various radio stations and television have provoked angry reactions from the public.
To address these concerns and other issues raised during the community engagement, recommendations were made for the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to intensify public education on the consequences of misinformation, miscommunication, and appropriate election conduct.
It was also suggested that community policing should be expanded to build trust between the police and citizens.
The Peace Council recommended that to mitigate fear and panic among voters and the populace, the military should be on standby but intervene only in extreme cases.
Additionally, visually impaired voters were assisted by polling station officers or trusted individuals, rather than party agents, that ensured impartiality in the electoral process.
Mr. Georgette Francois, a lawyer and facilitator from the National Peace Council, urged constituents to adopt a mindset of reconciliation and use respectful language to promote peace during and after the elections.
GNA