Kumasi: Students have been urged to use their social media handles to propagate peace before, during, and after the December elections. Mr. Lolo Amevinya, Senior Associate of the Leadership Network for Ghana, emphasized the influence of social media as a powerful platform where individuals can be easily swayed by the content they encounter.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Amevinya made these remarks during a peaceful election campaign program organized by the Leadership Network for Ghana in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at the Mancell Girls’ Senior High Technical School in Kumasi. This campaign specifically targeted first-time voters in senior high schools across selected regions, aiming to educate them on civic rights, voting processes, and appropriate conduct on election day.
The initiative also aimed to empower students to utilize social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok to advocate for peace throughout the election period. Mr. Amevinya noted
the potential dangers of social media, including cyberbullying, the spread of fake news, and hate speech, and highlighted the recent trend of political netizens using derogatory language against opposing parties.
Mr. Amevinya advised students to carefully consider the impact of their social media posts and verify information before sharing it. He urged them to contemplate whether their posts would contribute positively to peace and harmony before publishing them.
Ms. Diana Bempong, the Ashanti Regional Head of Programs for the NCCE, reminded students of the legal requirements for voting: being 18 years or older, a Ghanaian citizen, registered to vote, and of sound mind. She encouraged eligible students to arrive early at polling stations, as voting is scheduled from 0070 hours to 1700 hours, and to return home promptly after casting their votes.
Ms. Bempong also highlighted the prohibition of political campaigning on election day and advised students against wearing political party colors to polling statio
ns. She advocated for voting based on candidates’ commitment to national development rather than religious or ethnic affiliations.