KEY POINTS
- Extremist groups are targeting Ghanaian youth to disrupt elections.
- NCCE educates youth on resisting radicalization and misinformation.
- Community leaders call on youth to act as peace ambassadors.
Ghana’s National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has raised concerns about extremist and jihadist groups targeting youth in border communities ahead of the country’s 2024 general elections. With less than a month to go before the polls, NCCE officials are urging young people to reject any attempts to involve them in acts that could disrupt the elections.
Speaking at an event in Tongo, the capital of Talensi District in the Upper East Region, NCCE Talensi District Director Dorcas Atia highlighted the dangers of recruitment by violent groups. The meeting, part of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) project supported by the European Union, aims to promote unity, peace, and patriotism among young people while countering the threat of radicalization.
“At this crucial time, it is important to educate the youth on the dangers of violent extremism,” said Atia. “This engagement serves as a platform to help them recognize and resist the influence of extremist groups, ensuring peace and tolerance prevail during the elections.”
The event also focused on equipping young people to counter online radicalization and misinformation. Atia emphasized the importance of social cohesion and stressed that the involvement of youth in extremist activities poses a serious risk to Ghana’s peace and security.
Community leaders and youth groups commit to peaceful elections
The Chief of Gaare, Naab Mwarebilsong Naneeteng, who chaired the meeting, urged the youth to serve as ambassadors of peace, acknowledging their vital role in maintaining harmony before, during, and after the elections.
Upper East Regional NCCE Director James Abdulai Ayaaba shared that the commission has extended its outreach to many border communities, educating youth on rejecting inducements from extremist groups. “Such acts threaten the country’s progress and must be resisted,” he said.
According to a report by Ghana Web, President of the Talensi Rock Youth Association, Rockson Batamme Bukari, commended the NCCE and its partners for fostering peace. He assured that the youth in the area are committed to a peaceful election and will not succumb to pressure to cause unrest.
