A Star of Africa, Strong Democratic Record and Stability Aid Rising Ghana Youth in Election Race
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Peaceful 2012 elections pact signed
Author: MOHAMMED SAANI IBRAHIM
Mohammed Saani Ibrahim
Various youth groups in Ghana on Thursday signed an integrity pact to ensure peaceful 2012 General elections in the country. The short by colourful half day event which was put together by the Ghana Anti Corruption Coalition [GACC] and funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiative (CFLI) was held under the Theme “Promoting Integrity in Ghana’s 2012 Elections” the Role of the Youth.
The Youth were tasked to ensure that peace prevails in the country before, during and after the polls to safeguard the confidence that Africa and the world at large reposes in Ghana. Speaking on behalf of the various Groups, Mr. Sika Antobreh assured participants and the nation Ghana as a whole that the Youth will ensure political tolerance and respect for one another is imprinted in their quest in achieving a peaceful 2012 elections.
He urged the Youth of this country to be very much concerned and participate fully in each process in the journey of violence free elections as Ghana’s democracy has become a benchmark for peaceful coexistence of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. He called on the media to carry the message to all the political parties in the country that the Youth of Ghana have awakened from their days of slumber where politicians who have their children overseas used them (the youth) to incite violence during elections.
“Never again shall we allow ourselves to be used by anybody to destruct the peace and stability of our motherland, never again shall we indulge in election malpractices, never again shall we use vulgar language before, during and after elections and never again shall we the Youth of Ghana sell our dignity to any political party or individual” he promised.
He lauded the efforts of the GACC for the platform created for the youth to participate fully in Ghana’s quest to realized and create a peaceful environment for its citizenry and residents. The Youth were also asked to be ambassadors of peace during the elections to ensure that in the end Ghana’s democracy and image propelled to another height of dignity to the outside world.
The media, which also have a great role to play, were cautioned to be circumspect, impartial and fair in their political reportage if peace is to be achieved prior and after the December polls adding “they should eschew from publishing or reporting any political issue that has the tendency of triggering pre or post election violence”.
The signing ceremony which took place in Accra brought together Civil Society Organizations, Anti Corruption Groups, the clergy, donor agencies, youth groups and the media. Article Source.
About the Author
holland2g2@yahoo.com
The Accra Times (Odrobi Media)
Trans Africa University College (Accra)
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