Deputy chair of National Commission for Civic Education tells northern youth not to be pawns in the hands of politicians.

The deputy chairman of operations at the National Commission for Civic Education — NCCE– Mr Samuel Asare Akuamoah, has challenged the youth in the northern region not to allow their political leadership to appeal to their hearts, but rather to their conscience.

“Avoid violence, be tolerant as well as respect one another for a peaceful election,’’ he said.

Mr Akuamoah was speaking at a one day sensitization forum organized in Tamale on Friday by the agency to sensitize the public on the need for a peaceful election. He reminded young people that politics is not “a do or die” affair, but a way to exhibit one’s democratic credentials. He also urged them not to devote all their energy to politics if they want to have a bright future.

Participants at the forum included political party representatives, religious leaders and stakeholders. The forum’s objective was to spread the message of tolerance as well as peace during, before and after the December 7 general elections.

The deputy chairman humbly appealed to the public, especially the youth, not to allow political party leaders to use them for their own selfish interests.

Mr Akuamoah then encouraged the people to look up to the Almighty God for he is the only one who appoints a leader.

Speaking on the code of conduct for political parties and the Directive Principles of State Policy, the northern regional director of the  NCCE, Alhaji Razak Sani, stated that chapter six of the 1992 constitution lays out a strong frame work for a justified and democratic society which has not been the case in recent times.

According to him, many families and marriages collapse due to their political differences, and appealed to Ghanaians to uphold the good name, prestige of the country and respect the symbols of the state.

On his part the Tamale metropolitan police commander, Chief Superintendent Wisdom Lavoe urged the public to exhibit good behaviour for peaceful elections.

He mentioned some of the challenges facing the police in the region during elections as chieftaincy disputes, religious differences, and misunderstanding of the concept of election. Others include the existence of flash points as well as vigilante groups and called on all and sundry to ensure peace for mother Ghana.

By Lilian D.Walter/zaaradio.com