As Ghana approaches its upcoming elections, Rise Ghana is calling on the general public to promote a peaceful and inclusive election process. Speaking on Equal Voices on A1 Radio, Jaw-Haratu Amadu, the organization’s Head of Programs, emphasized the importance of engaging underprivileged communities, including persons with disabilities, by ensuring they are well-informed about the manifestos of various political parties.
According to her, Rise Ghana is currently facilitating face-to-face dialogues between constituents and parliamentary candidates in all 15 constituencies of the Upper East Region. The initiative encourages voters to make informed decisions that reflect their communities’ needs.
However, Madam Amadu raised concerns about the current state of political engagement among youth, noting that many young people are engaging in politics without a clear understanding of the issues at hand. “The biggest challenge we are having right now is the issue of our youth undertaking their politics not based on issues. What we have been talking about is that, as youth groups, you need to understand the manifesto of the party you are supporting.”
She stressed that without an understanding of political party manifestos, youth discussions often devolve into personal attacks rather than debates centered on policy differences.
Madam Amadu also called on politicians to ensure their campaigns remain peaceful and respectful, urging party supporters to engage in civil political discussions and avoid conflict. “All our politicians, as they are undergoing their campaigns, should also talk to their supporters to ensure that they are doing everything peacefully.”
As election day approaches, she appealed to registered voters to turn out in large numbers to vote for the candidates they believe are best equipped to lead the country. “To everybody, as we prepare for our election on Saturday, we must ensure that the rest of the days we are going to use to campaign are peaceful. We’ll also entreat every registered voter to come out in our numbers on Saturday to vote and ensure we have the right candidates to lead the country,” she said.
Furthermore, she advised everyone to celebrate the democratic process responsibly and avoid any form of disruptive behavior during and after the election.
This discussion was part of a collaborative effort between the station and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The project, titled Countering Hate Speech and Polarizing Narratives to Foster Democratic Consolidation and Peace in Ghana, aims to strengthen the electoral process by promoting tolerance and responsible information sharing.
The initiative 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. It contributes to the broader goal of consolidating Ghana’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
