Mr Joachim Elbazar, the Nabdam District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on political party activists to prioritize their lives and not to engage in acts that would jeopardise them in the 2024 elections.
He noted that political activists were often at the forefront of political activities and the perpetrators of electoral violence.
This he said was time they stopped such acts and concentrated on productive activities causing trouble during elections.
“In most instances, some leaders of political parties take advantage of the vulnerability of the youth, mostly unemployed, and use them to cause disturbances and mayhem for a pittance,” he noted.
The Director offered the advice when the Commission engaged political youth activities drawn from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress as part of Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project.
The PCVE project, with funding support from the European Union (EU), is being implemented by the NCCE in eight regions across the country.
It aimed at raising awareness among young people about dangers of violent extremism and electoral violence and the importance of peaceful participation in the democratic process while augmenting their understanding of peacebuilding mechanisms for countering arms proliferation.
Mr James Abdulai Ayaala, the Upper East Regional Director of the NCCE, said even though the 2024 elections are unique in nature, as two northern brothers from the major two political parties were contesting, it was not a do-or-die affair which political activists must embrace peace.
Mr Hamidu Abugri, District Officer of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), emphasised the vulnerability of the youth to violent extremist groups, and noted that they were often targeted for recruitment.
He urged political party activists to be vigilant and guard themselves against such influences.
Mr Tiwol Emmanuel, the Chairperson of the Inter Party Dialogue Committee, called on the political party activists to embrace tolerance and respect differing opinions.
He stressed that fostering peaceful dialogue and cooperation among the youth was crucial for ensuring a peaceful election and promoting social harmony.
Source: GNA
