By Isaac Arkoh
Assin Bereku (C/R), Aug. 29, GNA -The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has urged political parties and groupings to purge themselves of social miscreants who may infiltrate their ranks to foment troubles.
They must act as mutual guardians by embracing tranquillity and engaging in endeavours that foster harmonious coexistence in preparation for the December poll.
Mr Eric Mawunyo Ashinyoh, the Assin North District Director of NCCE said ensuring peaceful elections was a collective responsibility of every Ghanaian, to aid accelerated national development.
He was speaking at an Inter-Party Dialogue programme aimed at educating stakeholders to commit to peace before, during and after the general election.
This initiative sought to strengthen the existing collaboration among the NCCE and key stakeholders parties, youth, security agencies, district assemblies, traditional authorities, civil society, and community leaders.
Mr Ashinyoh urged politicians to maintain a high sense of circumspection and restraints as they mount their political platforms.
As a commission, “we strongly encourage all political factions, presidential and parliamentary candidates to partake in issue-oriented campaigning as they disseminate their messages to the populace.”
“They should refrain from using language that might incite their supporters towards violence because peace is the anchor for development,” he emphasised.
Mr Ashinyoh called on the youth not to allow themselves to be radicalised by extremist groups or terrorists.
Instead, they should commit to hard work, stop desiring quick money and concentrate on self-development to prepare them for a better future.
He, therefore entreated the security agencies to act swiftly and professionally in dealing with any infractions of the law to ensure that all political parties, groups, and individuals kept the peace and unity of the nation.
Representatives from the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party expressed their unwavering commitment to Ghana’s national peace and called on all stakeholders to diligently work towards ensuring a violence-free and equitable election in the districts.
Youth leaders of political parties in the Constituency pledged their commitment to break the emerging cycle of electoral violence, tension, and apprehension.
Some participants and stakeholders in an interview with the Ghana News Agency highlighted lack of accountability, injustice, absence of rule of law, distrust in security agencies, and grabbing of state lands and assets by the authorities as some of the issues that disturb national peace.
They also mentioned political parties’ influence in power retention or acquisition and the youths’ desire for quick wealth as potential triggers for violence, that demanded national attention.
They advocated fairness, equal access to opportunities, and impartiality before the law to enhance peaceful cohabitation in communities to sustain the peace.
GNA
