Youth representatives from various political parties in Ghana’s Volta Region recently convened to commend the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) for its initiatives aimed at promoting peace and fostering coexistence among political factions. The gathering, held on October 22, 2024, was part of a regional youth dialogue and peacebuilding festival organized by the MFWA. The focus of the event was on the crucial role that young people play in ensuring a peaceful electoral process during the upcoming elections in 2024. Attendees were encouraged to enhance their understanding of their roles in their respective political parties, emphasizing the importance of engaging in constructive debates while being able to differentiate between violence and developmental discourse. Additionally, discussions addressed the need to combat the proliferation of misinformation circulating through various media platforms, both social and traditional.
Key voices from the youth representatives, such as Hon. Emmanuel Aryee, Deputy Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ho Central, acknowledged MFWA’s initiative as a valuable tool for enhancing youth engagement in political dialogue. Aryee highlighted the program’s potential to nurture productive interactions among young politicians, which is crucial in a politically charged environment. Members from various political backgrounds, including the People’s National Convention (PNC), the Convention People’s Party (CPP), as well as representatives from the two dominant parties—the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP)—shared testimonials on how the forum positively impacted their ability to participate in civil and constructive political conversations.
Comrade Gordon Amartey, a member of the CPP’s Regional Social Services, underlined the significance of the festival in ensuring peaceful elections. He passionately urged young people to resist the temptations posed by political elites aiming to lure them into violent activities through monetary incentives. His perspective stressed that the preservation of Ghana’s peace should be a priority for the youth, a sentiment echoed by other participants who collectively recognized the festival’s role in instilling a sense of responsibility toward national stability. The emphasis on fostering a culture of peace not only resonated with the participants but also reflected a broader desire among youth across political affiliations to engage constructively rather than resorting to conflict.
Furthermore, Mr. Harris Alifodzi, a member of the NPP Communications Team, highlighted the imperative for a more decorous electoral process free from negative rhetoric. He called for fact-checking mechanisms to mitigate the effects of misinformation that often cloud political discourse. Alifodzi’s plea for civility among party supporters was complemented by Madam Elizabeth Golokuma, also from the NPP, who encouraged the youth to take the insights gained from the forum back to their communities. Golokuma’s call to action was a reminder of the crucial role young people play in grassroots mobilization and in shaping a peaceful and informed political climate.
Dr. David Esinu Yao Normanyo, Executive Secretary of the Volta Regional Peace Council, emphasized the importance of building common goals and engaging in discussions anchored in shared interests. He articulated that democracy thrives on diverse perspectives and urged the youth to pursue dialogue and issue-based engagement as a means to promote unity. Dr. Normanyo’s comments were significant as they highlighted the potential of collaborative politics to advance peace and stability across party lines, underscoring that unity is essential for the progress of the nation.
The MFWA’s commitment to ensuring a violence-free electoral environment serves as a vital part of safeguarding the peace and stability of Ghana. By actively engaging youth as key stakeholders in promoting peaceful dialogue and discourse, the MFWA aims to harness the energy and passion of young people in a positive manner. Prior to the youth forum, the MFWA also conducted a session with local media in the Volta Regional Capital that focused on clarifying the role and responsibilities of the Electoral Commission (EC) for the impending elections. This broader outreach indicates a comprehensive strategy to enhance the overall electoral process and bolster democratic practices within the region.
In conclusion, the regional youth dialogue and peacebuilding festival organized by the MFWA highlighted the urgent need for political maturity among Ghana’s youth as the country approaches its elections. The collective voices from various political party representatives serve as a beacon of hope for a peaceful and democratic electoral process in 2024. By promoting understanding, civil discourse, and resistance to political violence, the youth can contribute significantly to the cultivation of a politically stable environment that values mutual respect and understanding. Ultimately, such initiatives underscore the vital role of young people in shaping the future of Ghana’s political landscape while reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain the nation’s peace and stability.
