Gwollu (U/W),– Chief Abu Nuru, the Upper West Regional Programmes Officer of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has stated that true democracy as prescribed by the 1992 Constitution can only be realised in a peaceful environment.
Gwollu (U/W),– Chief Abu Nuru, the Upper West Regional
Programmes Officer of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has stated that true democracy as prescribed by the 1992 Constitution can only be realised in a peaceful environment.
He therefore entreated political parties to get involved in protecting and safeguarding the country’s hard earned democratic credentials by promoting peace and social cohesion.
Chief Abu Nuru stated this in Gwollu in the Sissala West District while delivering a speech on the topic “Peace and security as cornerstones for national development” at the District Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting organised by the NCCE with sponsorship from the European Union (EU).
He admonished the Committee members to endeavour to collaborate with relevant agencies to identify criminals within the society as well as protect the borders of the country.
“When there is peace, security and social cohesion, residents will be able to lobby for development projects through a united force, harness local resources to initiate and execute development programmes, support local government structures such as District Assembly to perform their roles effectively and attract investors through local festivals,” he said.
The Regional Programmes Officer urged participants to allow the rule of law to prevail, use acceptable channels and mechanisms including Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) to address grievances and avoid discrimination of all forms.
He further entreated government, security agencies and local authorities to always identify and address underlying causes of conflicts before they escalate.
Mr Mustapha Iddrisu, the Sissala West District Director of NCCE, said the IPDC meeting formed part of the NCCE’s Preventing Electoral Violence and Providing Security to the Northern Border Regions of Ghana (NORPROVSEC) project, being implemented to fight against transnational organized crime
while promoting respect for human rights and the rule of law.
He said the IPDC meeting was a continuation of the project under the theme: “Empowering Ghanaians to Stand for National Cohesion and Inclusive Participation”, which was aimed at creating avenue for political parties and other stakeholders to dialogue on the collective responsibility of ensuring national cohesion and inclusiveness.
He said it would also help address the tension being created by activities of violent extremist groups and a likely spill over in Ghana.
Mr Iddrisu said the meeting would also enable stakeholders to identify early warning signals of violent extremist’s activities through strengthening community surveillance and putting measures in place to effectively counter radicalization of the Ghanaian youth.
He said the Commission recognised political parties as important stakeholders in preventing electoral violence and promoting tolerance and national cohesion since they have influence and control over the activities of some of their teeming supporters especially the youth.
He therefore urged participants to view issues of national security as a responsibility of all citizens and endeavour to involve themselves in strengthening the peace and security architecture of the country.
Participants were taken through the Frame Work for Countering Violent Extremism, National Security Strategy and peace and security as cornerstones for national development.
A short video on activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria was also screened for participants to appreciate the negative consequences of violence and extremism on the lives of citizens of that country.
In a joint statement issued at the end of the engagement, political parties indicated that the programme had deepened their quest to promote peace and national cohesion and therefore, pledged to educate their supporters especially the youth on the need for peaceful coexistence.
They further pledged to sensitize them to be wary of external influences from individuals, organizations and institutions that may want to destabilize the country.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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