Hundreds of residents from the Upper East Region gathered today, Saturday, November 30, 2024, to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace in Ghana ahead of the December 7 polls.
Representing diverse backgrounds, participants joined a peace walk organized by Eventz and More to emphasize the importance of unity and harmony during the electoral process. The event also served as a reminder to key stakeholders in the elections to prioritize peace, reject hate speech, avoid divisive narratives, and shun acts of violence.
Participants in the walk included members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and students from tertiary institutions in the region. The event, organized by Eventz and More, was supported by A1 Radio, a subsidiary of Agreed Best Communication Group.
A1 Radio’s collaboration with Eventz and More was part of a joint initiative with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) under the “Countering Hate Speech and Polarizing Narratives to Foster Democratic Consolidation and Peace in Ghana” project.
The project aims to strengthen the electoral process by promoting tolerance and responsible information sharing. It seeks to educate the public on the importance of peaceful political discourse, counter divisive and toxic narratives, and foster inclusive dialogue, particularly during the election period. These efforts contribute to the broader goal of consolidating Ghana’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
Ibrahim Sadik, Communications Officer for Eventz and More, explained that it has become necessary for the organization, which is primarily entertainment-oriented, to take an active interest in national civic issues and play a role in preserving peace in the country.
Mr. Sadik urged the media to execute their mandate responsibly and advised young people to reject financial inducements intended to disrupt the electoral process.
Meanwhile, ace broadcaster and host of A1 Radio’s flagship evening program, The Sunset Drive, Seidu Sulemana Akrugu, affectionately known as PhatBone De 5-Star General, has advised young people in the Upper East Region not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence before or after the elections.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a peace walk organized by Eventz and More and its partners, with support from A1 Radio, Mr. Akrugu emphasized the importance of peace and unity among political leaders and their followers as Ghana heads to the polls.
“To the youth, the politicians would use people like you and me just because we are young and they feel we have so much strength that can be used to cause violence. Please, let’s stay out of violence. Do not let any politician use you. If you lose your life today, the politicians will still be there. Ask yourself, would they send their own children to cause trouble or violence?” he said.
Source: A1 Radio Online | 101.1 MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith| Bolgatanga
