UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
In a bid to encourage peace and unity among political parties ahead of the upcoming 2024 general election, Bolgatanga Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has inaugurated an Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) geared at preventing and containing violent extremism in election 2024.
The day’s meeting, held at Bolgatanga, Upper East Regional capital on Thursday May 23, 2024 forms part of efforts to ensure a free, fair and peaceful general election in 2024 and also to reinforce the role of political parties as key stakeholders for ensuring peace and security in the country as well as to reignite dialogue on inter and intra political party grievances handling procedures.
It was further to deepen the existing collaboration between the NCCE, political parties, the youth, security agencies, district assemblies, traditional authorities, civil society, and community leaders as important stakeholders for ensuring peace and security in the country.
In his welcome address, The Bolgatanga Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr Omar Jafaru Alsadiq highlighted the persistent challenges posed by violent extremism and terrorism and emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic governance, crucial for peace, prosperity, and safety both in Ghana and across the sub-region.
Mr.Alsadiq pointed out that terrorism and related violence could undermine the democratic progress Ghana has made, particularly as the nation prepares for a critical election.
Mr Omar Jafaru Alsadiq, noted that, Ghana’s history of peaceful transitions, having successfully conducted eight consecutive presidential and parliamentary elections, including significant power shifts in 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2020, underscores the need for continued vigilance.
He stressed that despite Ghana’s commitment to constitutional supremacy, rule of law, and a liberalized media landscape, the country must not become complacent.
Mr. Alsadiq said the 2024 general election just like every election would be keenly contested, and that tensions among the people would rise, especially during the campaign period, It was, therefore, imperative for stakeholders to work together to sustain the peace and cement the democratic credentials of the country.
The committee Mr.Alsadiq said, would further focus attention on mediation and the resolution of petty conflicts that had the potential to mar the upcoming election.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr. Edward Yaw Ashanti, Bolgatanga Municipal Crime officer took the participants through Violent Extremism and its inherent threat to our nation Ghana, community surveillance, signs of radicalization, what to do during attacks, neighbourhood watch and community patrol.
He emphasised the need to curb widespread corruption, youth unemployment, political elite domination in countering violent extremism.
DSP Mr. Edward noted that tolerance, justice, and the provision of basic services coupled with community surveillance were necessary for safeguarding the safety of society.
He indicated that there was a need for public cooperation to help identify the perpetrators. He, therefore, urged participants to assist the security personnel in protecting our nation Ghana.
Mr Sheik Abu-Bakr Sadiq of the National Peace Council and Mrs Matilda Azusiyine of the Catholic Christian Women Association were elected chairperson and co-chair respectively.
Mr Sheik Abu-Bakr Sadiq appealed to the various stakeholders to act as ambassadors of peace in their undertakings to enable people to understand the need to employ dialogue to resolve their differences and promote peaceful coexistence
The dialogue was attended by representatives of political parties, NCCE, National Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), National Peace Council, religious, Civil society organisations (CSOs),, traditional authorities, security agencies, Electoral Commission, faith-based organisations, people living with disabilities, youth associations,women groups and the Media.
Source – gbcuraonline.com
