Global Media Foundation, human rights media advocacy organisation, has launched its 2016 election project dubbed: Change Ambassadors for Peace Education (CAPE) Project in Sunyani in the Brong- Ahafo region.
The main objective of the project is to reduce the negative involvement of the youth, especially in elections and other events that often spark up tension and tendency of violence. The project is further committed to redirecting youth potential to productive ventures that empower them with knowledge and skills in peace building and leadership development.
Addressing over 70 youth and Journalists at the launch, the CEO of GLOMEF, Raphael Godlove Ahenu , described the deletion of names of NHI card holders from the voter’s register as needless and has therefore called on the EC to ensure that nobody is disfranchised during this year’s general election scheduled to take place in December, 7th.
He said every effort must be made to ensure that those whose name were deleted from the register for using the NHI card are re- registered to enable them to exercise their constitutional right and mandate come December, 7th.
The CEO called on the youth to shun violence, refuse to be influenced and used by unscrupulous politicians for any form of conflict, but insist on being agents of peace, good governance for better society.
He said the project will sensitize and increase the capacity of youth in peace building and leadership development.
The project he noted will further educate them on their roles and rights to fully participate in democratic governance and assist them to achieve same.
Mr. Ahenu also urged the Journalists to avoid reporting in media defamatory statements made by politicians that could spark political mayhem in the country.
Mr. Michael Amponsah, the former Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Director of NCCE, launching the project, augured that election is about contest of ideas and not war.
He therefore challenged presidential candidates contesting December 7th election to eschew deprecating statements that could incite political violence.
The former NCCE Deputy Regional Director advised Ghanaians not to take for granted the peace being enjoyed in the country, saying, “we in Ghana cannot afford to sit unconcerned when people make unguarded statements that could incite violence.
According to him, it is this same silence that drove other countries to war and conflict and called on all especially the youth to champion the crusade against violent election.
Source: Pat Aboagyewaa
