Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the Ghanaian youth to avoid being used as channels for electoral violence.
The upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana, scheduled for December 7, 2024, have brought to the forefront the need to address the issue of electoral violence.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of discouraging the involvement of the youth in such acts of violence during the electoral process. Ghana has unfortunately experienced violent clashes during previous general elections, often instigated by the youth based on political allegiances. These clashes have resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and have negatively impacted the country’s political stability.
The vice president however has called upon Ghanaians to prioritize peace and tolerance, fostering unity in our diverse political landscape as the presidential and parliamentary elections approaches.
During the Eid prayer service for the Eid-Ul-Fitr festivities in the Ashanti region on 11th April 2024, the Vice President stressed the importance of embracing a peaceful election.
“As we approach the campaign season for the elections in December, let us all be guided by acts which will preserve and uphold the diversity of our country and its unity.”
“To the youth, you are the nation’s most valuable asset and under no circumstance should anybody lead you into any form of electoral violence. Ghana needs you safe, active and lively to lead the nation’s charge in the promising fourth Industrial Revolution. Let us all say no to all forms of electoral violence.”
The topic of electoral violence has been constantly discouraged by many stakeholders within the country, with repeated references to the consequences which include loss of properties, injuries and death.
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Story by: Evelyn Ampah | univers.ug.edu.gh
