BOLGATANGA – NCCE URGES CITIZENS TO CHOSE PEACE AS THE ELECTIONEERING CAMPAIGNS OF POLITICAL PARTIES GATHER MOMENTUM

By – Sadat Dabo

The Bolgatanga Municipal office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) organized an engagement session with political parties and other stakeholders on peace, vigilantism and the prevention of violent extremism in the Municipality ahead of Election 2024

Mr. Omar Jafaru Alsadiq, the Bolgatanga Municipal director of the Commission, explained that, the aim of Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) Meeting phase || was to ensure peace before, during, and after the general elections in December.

Mr. Omar Jafaru Alsadiq highlighted that election-related disturbances are a
key factor that can facilitate the activities of extremist groups, whose presence is increasing across the West African sub-region.

He emphasized that this menace can be mitigated when political actors practice tolerance and adhere to rules and regulations essential for maintaining peace.

He further stressed the importance of recognizing that despite our political, religious, and ethnic differences, we are one people with a common destiny. He urged everyone to maintain social cohesion as Ghanaians.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Edward Yaw Asante, the Acting Bolgatanga District Police commander warned of the crackdown on persons and groups who are contemplating fomenting trouble to disrupt the peace of the country during this year’s general election.

He stressed that although the police would be highly professional in providing security for all Ghanaians throughout the election process, it would not hesitate to deal swiftly with troublemakers within the confines of the law.

Mr Asante said the police were aware of their pivotal role in the electoral process, and would discharge that responsibility to help consolidate the country’s democracy.

He said the period when people caused trouble during elections and got away with it was over because the police would ensure that all such culprits were dealt with according to the law.

The IPDC is an initiative of the NCCE which seeks to proactively address issues that may come up at the constituency level as various political parties lace their boots for the 2024 general elections.

The goal is to ensure meaningful engagement geared towards constructive dialogue and conflict resolution, building trust and cooperation among political parties, strengthening democratic institutions and processes as well as working towards peaceful election in December, this year.

Membership of the IPDC includes political parties, Electoral Commission, youth and women groups, security agencies, the Clergy, traditional leaders, and persons with disability

Source – gbcuraonline.com