NCCRM-Ghana holds 2-day workshop on prevention of youth electoral violence

Ghana’s peace and security architecture has built resilience over time and consolidated democracy, but there are threats that keep emerging and undermining this relative peace, says Colonel Emmanuel Sampson, Director, National Centre for Coordination of Early Warning and Response Mechanism (NCCRM-Ghana).

He said the Centre since 2022 had noted pertinent human security threats arising from youth bulge, unemployment, illegal mining, youth resorting to violence, access to and use of narcotic drugs and guns to perpetrate crimes that may affect livelihoods and lead to disability or death.

Col Sampson was speaking in Accra on Thursday at a two-day workshop on “Harnessing the power of the youth in preventing and mitigating electoral violence in Ghana,” attended by over 100 identifiable youth across the country.

Also in attendance were representatives from partner organisations: Economic Community of West Africa States, European Union, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The objective of the workshop was to create awareness on the risks and equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent and mitigate electoral violence and to create a platform for dialogue for the youth, to share their perspectives, experiences, and innovative solutions regarding electoral violence.

“This gathering represents a collective effort and commitment to addressing the vulnerabilities of the country recognizing the potential of youth as pivotal agents of change in preventing electoral violence and promoting peaceful electoral processes during and after Ghana’s election 2024,” he added.

 Col Sampson reiterated the centre’s commitment to the Early Warning Framework and Response System in coordinating strategies to enhance human security for the Country and West Africa.

 He said since 2022 the centre had noted pertinent human security threats arising from youth bulge, unemployment, illegal mining, youth resorting to violence, access to and use of narcotic drugs and guns to perpetrate crimes that may affect livelihoods and lead to disability or death.

“Of particular concern is the increasing threat of violence accompanying intra and inter-political party electoral processes, a concern that has necessitated our gathering here today.”

Col Sampson said the NCCRM identified the need to engage the youth on the   importance of preventing or mitigating election violence as it significantly undermines human security in all its dimensions.

“These threats underscore the importance of conducting this sensitisation workshop as it affords a platform, not only to inform the youth but also empower them to be proactive agents of change during this pivotal time.

I am confident that we will raise very important questions, find answers to same, and emerge out of this workshop better equipped to help in a free, fair and transparent elections,” he added.

He emphasised that “It is through your engagement and active participation that we can collectively address the challenges posed by electoral violence.”

“Together, we can build a safer future for Ghana, one where every citizen feels secure in exercising their democratic rights without fear of violence or intimidation.

 Let us embrace this opportunity to work hand-in-hand towards safeguarding our democracy and ensuring that our elections reflect the will of the people,” he added.

BY ALHAJI SALIFU ABDUL-RAHAMAN

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