By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog
Bolgatanga, Dec, 2 GNA-The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has sensitised students of the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) in the Upper East Region on ways to prevent violent extremism and promote peace in the upcoming general elections.
The engagement sought to empower students with the requisite knowledge on preventing and containing violent extremism to enable them become influencers against violent extremism and to resist violence, particularly during the upcoming general election and beyond.
The engagement with the students formed part of the sensitisation sessions for tertiary level institutions Phase two of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project, being implemented by the NCCE with funding from the European Union.
It is also to broaden knowledge of the students on peace building mechanisms, social cohesion, community-based mechanisms which comprised identifying early warning signals and community-based strategies for countering arms proliferation.
Mr James Abdulai Ayaala, the Upper East Regional Director of the NCCE, in his remarks charged the students to be peace ambassadors and desist from engaging in activities that constitute violence as the elections draw nearer.
He advised the students not to jeopardise their lives and the future of the country by engaging in electoral violence but to remain focused on their studies towards a bright and fulfilling future.
Mr Ayaala reiterated the mantra, See Something, Say Something and entreated the students to be mindful of their immediate surroundings and report suspicious happenings and characters to the law enforcement agencies for prompt action.
Superintendent David Nii Noi Nartey, Head of Intel, Upper East Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service urged the students to inculcate in themselves the culture of tolerance and peaceful co-existence in their circles.
“Your lives are very important as Ghanaians, so do not allow any politician to use or misuse you to cause violence during the elections. You will face the law if arrested for causing violence or you may lose your life as a result”, he added.
Mr Milton Aberinga, the Programmes Director, Development Research and Advocacy Centre (DRAC), a civil society organisation cautioned the students against vote buying ahead of the elections, describing it as an act that undermines the democratic processes of the country.
The programme was graced by two ECOWAS Observers who outlined the role of the West African body in conducting election monitoring exercises in member states towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
GNA