Prioritise national unity over political divisions - NCCE to citizens

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on the citizenry, particularly women and youth, to prioritise national unity over political divisions.

The Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs of the NCCE, Rita Amparbin, who made the call, advised citizens against misinformation and disinformation, describing them as key drivers of post-election violence.

“We must verify information before sharing. Fake news is dangerous. False information spreads quickly on social media, inciting unnecessary anger and violence. We should be cautious, especially on social media,” she said.

She was speaking at a “Women and Youth in Democracy” civic engagement with some youth groups in the Klottey Korle Constituency in Accra last Friday.

Engagement

The civic engagement was organised by the NCCE, with support from the European Partnership for Democracy, to enhance citizens’ active participation in governance under the initiative titled “Women and Youth in Democracy”.

These engagements undertaken in collaboration with youth and women’s groups across the country, aimed to foster peace, transparency, and inclusive dialogue as essential pillars of post-election governance.

It was to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to serve as advocates for democratic values and agents of change in their schools and communities.

The discussions focused on critical post-election issues, including the role of youth in promoting post-election peace and stability, the consequences of post-election violence, the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act/Public Order Act, addressing post-election misinformation and disinformation, and the illicit use of arms and its impact on stability.

A key highlight of the youth engagement sessions was the participation of former vigilante members, who shared personal experiences on the negative impact of their actions on their lives and communities.

Collective responsibility

Ms. Amparbin emphasised the collective responsibility of all citizens to maintain peace, promote tolerance, and ensure active civic participation.

She encouraged Ghanaians to remain engaged in governance and to reject post-election violence.

Ms. Amparbin also called for community involvement in crime prevention and democratic stability.

She reaffirmed the NCCE’s commitment to democratic stability and national cohesion.

“As you return to your communities, spread the message that post-election violence is harmful, divisive, and destructive. Instead, let’s promote peace, stability, and national unity,” she said.

A Superintendent of Police, Maister Klay, advised the youth against robbery and theft, emphasising the importance of reporting crimes responsibly and working with law enforcement officers to ensure public safety.

He underscored growing concerns over rising crime rates and assured the public that his outfit was committed to implementing new security measures to curb criminal activities in the country.

Source: graphic