The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region and Youth groups, including persons living with disabilities, youth in vocational trade and artisanal works, young graduates from academic institutions, and assembly members, have all resolved to eschew the values of peace and tolerance as Ghana heads to election 2024.

The participants in issuing a communique after the one-day engagement indicated that peace is a fundamental prerequisite towards Ghana’s forward match in consolidating our democratic credentials.

The statement in parts read “We the youth of the Wa West District affirm our commitment to maintaining a peaceful electioneering campaign process; we reaffirm our commitment to be ambassadors of peace and work towards consolidating our democratic credentials; we must strive to preach peace and influence young minds positively to be ambassadors of before, during and after the 2024 presidential and parliamentary election”.

Speaking as the event host, the Wa West District Director of NCCE Madam Esther Suglo admonished young people to be worthy ambassadors of peace. She indicated “As we all know, it is 28 days to the 2024 general election, and NCCE as an institution is tasked with educating citizens on the importance of our constitution; we must bring together today one of our key stakeholders (the youth) to educate you on the dangers associated with extremist activities and their threat to Ghana”.

Madam Ether Suglo added “Ghana is the only nation in the sub-region that has not been targeted by extremist organizations, even though we have our challenges such as a high young unemployment rate, underemployment, poverty, local disputes, and so on. She concluded by remarking that today’s participation is crucial for us to understand and also contribute to avoiding any form(s) of activities related to violent extremism in the district.

Speaking as a key not guest in the youth engagement sessions, the Upper West Regional Deputy Director for the National Commission for Civic Education Mr. John Yirbile urged young people to embrace tolerance and the spirit of patriotism. He noted that radicalization has a direct relationship with violent extremism and that undermines cohesion and national unity.

He emphasized that many radicalized or extremists undermine structures, especially local leadership, and strive to take the laws into their own hands. He cautioned young people not to champion their ideological front such as religion and political lineage with hate to opponents or rival groups.

The distinguished resource person and a seasoned Security and Peace Advocate Mr. Tahiru Lukman urged young people to exemplify tolerance and a sense of belonging. He cautioned that political vigilantism has been outlawed and for that matter young people should not allow themselves to be used as a Guinee pig in this electioneering campaign season. He urged young people to focus on educational attainment and career development, rather than focusing and depending on political leadership for opportunity.

He stressed further that, violent extremism and Jihadist activities in Northern Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso have undermined the democratic process in West Africa and Ghana remains the most stable and beacon of democracy and for that matter young people should stay positive and not be in the center stage to perpetrate violence.

The program drew 40 participants from diverse youth groups, the media, and the staff of the Wa West District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

Source: Tahiru Lukman/CEO of Ideapath Consult