By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Dec. 18, GNA – Mr. Mawuli Agbenu, Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has urged the youth to resolve grievances peacefully rather than resorting to violence.
Speaking at a community forum in Accra, he noted that democracy and elections should be peaceful processes, and that all parties involved in disputes should adopt civil conflict resolution methods.
The forum, held at Nima, was organized by the Ayawaso East NCCE in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to encourage the peaceful participation of women and youth in democratic processes.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Agbenu commended the peaceful conduct of the 2024 general elections and cautioned the youth against engaging in post-election misconduct.
“If there are issues with result collation, the right place to go is the court, and not to take the law into your own hands to burn down collation centres and electoral offices,” he emphasised.
Condemning electoral violence, Mr. Agbenu encouraged young people to acquire relevant skills and contribute positively to national development, instead of doing the bidding of politicians.
“If we want to develop our community, it is important to add value to ourselves individually,” he stated, and urged citizens to celebrate election victory in moderation.
“We are one people…we are Ghanaians before we became political party members…if any political party wins, it is Ghanaians who have won.
“The political parties all wish Ghana well so when their policies bear fruit we are all going to benefit…We should all jubilate decorously and not in a way that will cause troubles for ourselves,” he said.
Ms. Portia Akepne Adjakrah, Ayawaso East NCCE Municipal Director, highlighted that young people were often recruited into unlawful activities, underscoring the importance of extensive public education to empower the youth.
“The caution is for the youth to focus on developing themselves so they can make meaningful contributions to society,” she noted.
Facilitators at the workshop discussed topics including political vigilantism, peaceful co-existence, conflict resolution, and others.
Iddrisu Abudul Razak, a participant, shared insights gained at the forum, emphasising the essence of peaceful co-existence.
Abdulai Ali, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Constituency Youth Wing, also advised participants and political actors to use dialogue and other non-violent means to resolve differences.
GNA