The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has taken significant steps to engage the youth of Ghana as the country approaches its 2024 general elections, emphasizing the importance of peace and the rejection of violence. In particular, the NCCE organized a session with students at Bolgatanga Nursing Training College as part of its “Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism” initiative, which covers the five Northern Regions and three adjoining regions. Funded by the European Union, this project aims to educate young people about the dangers of violent extremism and equip them with the knowledge and tools to build resilience against radicalization. The primary goal of this outreach is to encourage the youth to adopt peace-building strategies, enhance social cohesion, and empower them to identify early warning signs of extremism and the proliferation of arms.
During the engagement, Mr. James Abdulai Ayaala, the Upper East Regional Director of the NCCE, emphasized Ghana’s commendable democratic history, marking its successful conduct of eight general elections and three peaceful transitions of power since the Fourth Republic commenced in 1992. As the ninth election looms, Mr. Ayaala urged the students to take on the mantle of peace ambassadors, advising them to avoid violence at all costs and to protect the nation’s stability. He stressed the idea that violent extremist groups often leverage internal strife to push their agendas and called upon the youth to remain alert and resist being manipulated as tools of chaos during this critical time.
Mr. David Nii Noi Nartey, a Superintendent of Immigration, also contributed to the discussion by warning the students about the recruitment tactics employed by extremist groups. These organizations often entice vulnerable young people with promises of prosperity, which can ultimately endanger their futures. Nii Noi Nartey highlighted the crucial need to eschew the forms of violence and turmoil that have marred the electoral processes in other nations, urging a unified effort to safeguard Ghana’s peace. He raised concerns regarding the widespread misuse of social media, which has become a potent instrument for radicalization and recruitment, and cautioned students to be discerning regarding the content they encounter online.
The conversation was further enriched by Mr. Milton Aberinga, the Programmes Director at the Development Research and Advocacy Centre (DRAC), a civil society organization. He stressed the importance of integrity over financial rewards during electoral periods, urging students to reject vote-buying efforts by politicians. Aberinga warned that such practices lead to corruption as officials seek to recuperate their expenditures, which ultimately thwarts national development. He implored students to be cautious and judicious in their online interactions, underlining the importance of verifying information before sharing it to combat the spread of misinformation.
The sensitization session served as a crucial reminder for the participating students and the broader Ghanaian public about the essential role they play in fostering peace and upholding democratic values ahead of the elections. As the youth constitute a significant segment of the electorate, their awareness, engagement, and actions will largely influence the electoral landscape. The NCCE’s initiative seeks to inspire the next generation to advocate for stability and reject the divisive tactics that have plagued other democracies.
Through this engagement, the NCCE reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s upcoming elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and integrity. The collective efforts of the youth, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies are fundamental in maintaining the democratic ideals that have characterized Ghana’s political landscape. With the right tools, knowledge, and a commitment to rejecting extremism, the youth can play a transformative role in shaping the future of Ghana and ensuring that its democratic processes remain free from the taint of violence.
