The “Youth for Peace” campaign has recently been inaugurated in the Sagnarigu Municipality, focusing on empowering young people to advocate for peace and development in anticipation of the upcoming general elections on December 7. This initiative is particularly relevant in the context of Northern Ghana, where historical tensions and violence could threaten the social fabric during such a critical period. Spearheaded by Star Ghana Foundation, with the collaborative support from the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the campaign aims to mobilize the youth as peace ambassadors. The program encourages young individuals to educate their peers about the significance of maintaining peace and order before, during, and after the election, emphasizing that their actions can profoundly influence future societal stability.
The initiative recognizes the pivotal role youth play in society and the overarching risks posed by electoral violence to their future. Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah, the Northern Regional Executive Secretary of the Peace Council, highlighted this vital relationship between youth engagement and national development. He specifically appealed to young people to take ownership of the peace message and pledged that the Peace Council, along with various stakeholders, would continuously advocate for peace throughout the electoral period. This framework aims not only to mitigate potential violence but also to nurture a culture of dialogue and understanding among different community factions, providing a smoother electoral process and promoting civic responsibility among the youth.
In addressing the complex nature of conflicts that have historically plagued the Northern Region, such as ethnic disputes, land conflicts, political party vigilantism, and emerging threats from violent extremism, the “Youth for Peace” campaign seeks to strengthen community bonds. Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, the Executive Director of Star Ghana Foundation, stressed the importance of youth involvement in peacebuilding initiatives. By acting as peace ambassadors, young individuals are encouraged to disseminate messages of peace across various platforms including their communities, churches, and mosques. The integration of youth in these dialogues is critical for fostering an inclusive approach to governance and ensuring their voices are heard in matters that directly affect them.
Star Ghana Foundation’s commitment to evidence-based programming is another crucial aspect of this campaign. By prioritizing research and tailored interventions, the organization endeavors to address the specific needs of various communities facing these challenges. This strategic approach not only enriches the peacebuilding efforts but also empowers youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute effectively to societal development. The focus on evidence ensures that peace initiatives are pragmatic and resonate well with the realities on the ground, thereby enhancing their effectiveness.
During the campaign’s launch events, traditional authorities were encouraged to play an integral role by collaborating with youth in perpetuating the peace message within their respective communities. This partnership between traditional leaders and young advocates fosters an environment that prizes dialogue over conflict. Additionally, the sense of gratitude expressed by participants, particularly through testimonials like that of Rahina Abdul-Majeed, underlines the significance of such educational and sensitization initiatives. She articulated how the program illuminated the importance of maintaining peace and adhering to electoral laws, recognizing these elements as foundational to the country’s overall development.
In summary, the “Youth for Peace” campaign is a timely intervention aimed at mobilizing the youth of Sagnarigu Municipality towards promoting peace and preventing election-related violence. By utilizing education, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration, the campaign envisions a harmonious electoral process that enhances national development. Grounded in the advocacy for youth involvement and evidence-based strategies, this initiative aspires to fortify the social and political framework of Northern Ghana, ensuring that the future is peaceful, secure, and conducive to growth and development for the youth.
