The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is urging the youth to resist any offers from politicians encouraging violent actions and disruptions during the upcoming 2024 elections.
Emphasizing citizens’ crucial role, chairperson of the commission Kathleen Addy stressed the collective responsibility to prevent bloodshed on December 7th.
Addressing the media, Ms. Addy conveyed the NCCE’s strong message to the youth, urging them to reject any involvement in violent acts orchestrated by politicians. As part of the Constitution Day activities, the press conference served as a platform to underscore the significance of civic responsibility in upholding peace during electoral processes.
She emphasized that citizens play a pivotal role in shaping the democratic landscape and maintaining a peaceful electoral environment. She urged the youth to remain vigilant and discerning, rejecting any attempts by politicians to manipulate them into engaging in disruptive and violent activities that could mar the integrity of the electoral process.
“In this very room, in our address to the press, we raise the alarm on the creeping monetization of politics. It is sad to note that one year has passed. We are seeing a deepening of the problem. We are witnesses to the supply of money to voters and the demand for money from voters in the various elections that happened last year.”
Ms. Addy further urged the electorate to desist from vote buying and exchanging their votes for money, which she blamed politicians for fueling and continually buying the conscience of the average Ghanaian voter during elections.
“The politics of insults, violence, and personality attacks undermine state institutions, especially those mandated to oversee elections, civic education, and the promotion of peace in this country. We especially employ young people to absolutely reject any politician who wants to engage them in violence and expose any politician who seeks to entice them with alcohol, drugs, or anything else so that they will do their bidding. The commission, during its engagement with citizens this year, would hammer home the message that any politician seeking to recruit for violence or other illegal activity is a national wrecker and must be rejected without equivocation. This year, let us not lose a life, a limb, or even shed one drop of blood for the sake of politics.”
“Campaigns devoid of provoking religious, cultural, and ethnic tension. This is what we deserve, and this is what we demand as Ghanaians. In 2024, we urge citizens not to condone acts of political intolerance or political vindictiveness,” the NCCE Chairperson noted.