Politicians advised to cease divisive comments
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has advised leaders of political parties and their followers to refrain from offensive comments and statements with the tendency to spark violence or conflicts before, during and after the 2024 General Election.
It said politicians should use words that were edifying and could positively influence the electorate to vote in their favour.
Mr Taalar Amatus, the Lambussie District Officer In-Charge of the NCCE, gave the advice during an engagement with NCCE’s Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) members in the district.
The engagement forms part of the commission’s public education aimed at undertaking peacebuilding consultative meetings and working with other stakeholders in averting violent extremism and promoting peaceful co-existence and national cohesion.
It also falls under the second phase of the NCCE’s European Union sponsored Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) Phase II programme, with focus on the northern regions of Ghana.
Participants in the meeting included representatives from the Electoral Commission (EC), Political Parties, Lambussie District Assembly, NCCE, CHRAJ, Traditional Authorities, Security Services, Faith Based Organisations, Civic Societies, the media, PWDs, and youth groups.
Mr Amatus said politicians should carry out their campaigns based on laid down principles in the code of conduct for political parties, and the 1992 Constitution.
“Politicians should avoid the use of offensive language against their opponents, use of arms, intimidation, threats, or insults,” he said.
He urged all Ghanaians especially the youth to remain law abiding to preserve the peace and image Ghana has as a peaceful country to attract more investors, which will help to develop the country.
Reverend Father Boniface Towel, the Catholic Priest of St. George’s Parish at Piina in the Lambussie District, giving a presentation on Monitoring and Reporting Threats and Vulnerabilities to Violent Extremism, highlighted among other signs of violence extremists’ activities including hostility and radicalisation, holding of secret gatherings at odd hours, use of violent communication/threats among others.
He urged the youth to guard and watch out for any suspicious activities that may cause threats and destabilize the peace and unity in their communities, adding that all suspicious activities should be reported to the security services for action.
Participants also unanimously agreed to resound the national security slogan; “if you see something say something” in their various communities, thereby, suggesting for the creation of a WhatsApp platform to enable members report or communicate on issues of the 2024 electoral process in the Lambussie District.