Ahead of the December 7 election, the National Peace Council (NPC) has identified nine out of the 23 constituencies in the Central Region as potential hotspots for electoral unrest.
The affected constituencies include Awutu-Senya-East, Effutu, Agona-West, Assin-North, Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Cape Coast-North, Twifo-Hemang-Lower-Denkyira, and Upper-Denkyira-West and East.
Among these, the Awutu Senya-East Constituency (Kasoa) stands out with a total of 42 flashpoints, marking it as the most critical area in a region generally known for its tranquility.
These findings were revealed by the Right Reverend Richardson Aboagye Andam, the Regional Chairman of the Peace Council, during the Ghana First Youth Symposium at the University of Cape Coast, organized by Youth Vision International, with support from the Peace Council.
Under the theme “Putting Ghana First,” the Regional Peace Council Chair assured the public that, with the support of their partners, they had engaged all relevant stakeholders to prevent any potential violence before, during, and after the election.
Security agencies are closely monitoring the identified areas to swiftly address any signs of unrest. He called on Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to promote tolerance and respect differing opinions, which are key to fostering social cohesion and preventing electoral violence.
He also condemned the practice of vote-buying and selling, urging individuals to refrain from it. He emphasized that no amount of financial inducement should deter voters from performing their civic duty with integrity.
Politicians who attempt to influence votes through gifts, money, or other incentives undermine the nation’s democratic values, he concluded.
Madam Araba Aikins, the Assistant Director at the Cape Coast Metro office, National Commission for Civic Education, urged the youth activists affiliated with political parties to uphold and respect Ghana’s electoral regulations to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.
She called upon these activists to demonstrate responsibility in their conduct and not allow themselves to be exploited by politicians for narrow electoral gains.
Mr Richard Ohene-Kwashie of Vision Youth International reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to empowering the youth for the advancement of the nation.
He urged the youth to recognize the invaluable nature of peace, emphasizing that Ghana’s stability should never be compromised under any circumstances.
