The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) together with the European Union (EU) have jointly launched an EU grant contract to sustain peace and prevent pre-and post-electoral violence in the Northern border regions of Ghana.
The project titled “Preventing Electoral Violence and Providing Security to the Northern Border Regions of Ghana (NorPrevSec),” will grant the NCCE one million euros to address various security threats in the most vulnerable parts of the Northern Region of Ghana.
Under this project, the NCCE will be responsible for preventing electoral violence, ensuring a peaceful electoral process, and soothing tensions after the popular vote with a particular focus on the Northern regions of Ghana. The Commission will partner with other actors including security agencies, local NGOs, and Civil Society Organisations to undertake large-scale civic education, sensitisation, and awareness-raising campaigns on violence threats.
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Chairman of Operations, NCCE, Mr. Samuel Asare Akuamoah said the NCCE and EU have had a very fruitful relationship since 2011 and with the launch of this grant, the two would be working again for the next 18 months to raise awareness and increase active participation in the upcoming General Election.
Mr. Akuamoah said Ghana should “not be ambushed in this election period” as some other African countries have experienced. He assured that the NCCE would work, with the logistics and support provided by the EU “to stand out against the operations of these violent extremist groups across the borders and sea”.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Ghana, H.E. Ambassador Diana Acconcia in her address said the project would promote human rights and the rule of law, while containing the “rise of violent extremism and prevent radicalization”, by enhancing the capacities of key players through early warning, conflict resolution, by countering terrorism and fighting against transnational organised crime.
“And this is why the role of NCCE is so crucial in this scheme. A well-educated and empowered society, fully aware of its rights and capable of resolving its internal differences amicably and peacefully, can move away from the dangers of radicalisation and rise of violence.” The Ambassador wished the NCCE a successful implementation of the project and assured the Commission of the EU’s continued support to achieve their mutual goals.
In attendance at the event was the Head of Governance, EU, Ms. Maria Louisa Troncoso, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP).
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