Some youth from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Bolgatanga Central Constituency have come together to advocate for peace ahead of the Saturday general elections.
The youth, many of whom have previously served as internal security during party events, have often been associated with clashes during past election periods, resulting in injuries and heightened tensions in the constituency. However, this time, they are rewriting the narrative by calling for a violence-free election.
Dressed in their respective party-branded shirts and flags, the youth rode through the streets of Bolgatanga township and surrounding communities on motorbikes, promoting unity and urging the public to prioritize peace.
Speaking to the media, Atinga Ayariga, also known as Big Joe, a leader of the NPP youth in Bolgatanga Central, acknowledged the perception of their groups as instigators of violence in the past.
“In this election, if you are an NPP member and try to cause violence, we, as NPP members, will come for you—not the NDC members. Similarly, if an NDC person causes violence, no NPP member will intervene; the NDC will handle their own. This is not about politics anymore. We are the ones who can create trouble, but today, we are united to bring peace to Bolga,” he stated.
On the NDC side, Anafo Emmanuel, popularly known as Okocha, echoed this sentiment, urging political party supporters to prioritize a peaceful election and warning against any attempts to disrupt the democratic process.
“We assure the public that we will ensure anyone—whether from within the NDC or outside—who tries to cause trouble will face the law. Our differences in party affiliation should not define our ability to coexist peacefully. This election is not about war; it’s about choosing leaders to develop our nation,” he said.
The procession was widely applauded by residents, who view the initiative as a hopeful step toward a violence-free election.
Historically, political youth groups in the Bolgatanga Central Constituency have been at the center of violent clashes, often sparked by intense political rivalries during election seasons. These incidents have tarnished the image of the constituency and created divisions among the youth.
Source: A1 Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Joshua Asaah | Bolgatanga
