Professor Ransford Gyampo, Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, Legon has mentioned that in Africa, most conflicts that occur during elections are as a result of youths being used by politicians.
In previous political times, the Youths were mostly hired to perpetrate violence during elections by politicians and most of them were killed without any justice or compensation.
Professor Ransford Gyampo further stated in categorically that as we approach the election, politicians have purchased tickets for their families in order to travel in case of conflicts and leave us in this country to suffer so the Youths must resist from being lured by politicians.
“If politicians approach you for some untoward activities in the impending elections, tell them to engage their children, Mother and their entire family members”‘, Prof. Gyampo hints.
Addressing the media at the launch of GroupStand for peace and Growth Development, he emphasized that Ghana had witnessed peaceful elections over the years and it was imperative to maintain and consolidate the tenets of democracy.
Elections represent a key moment for citizens to use their voting power to reflect, choose, and select leaders to act for their country and the future. This can only be possible when there is peace and stability, freedom, tolerance, and respect for one another
Mr Maxwell A.K. Mununkum the General Secretary for GroupStand for peace, Growth and Development said the group is putting things together to engage all political leaders to roll out the ” Youth Pledge for Peace in December polls”.
This initiative aims to reinforce the principles of peace among all Ghanaians before, during and after the forth coming elections.
The group believes that elections represent a key moment for citizens to use their voting power to reflect, choose, and select leaders to act for their country and the future. This can only be possible when there is peace and stability, freedom, tolerance, and respect for one another
GroupStand for Peace and Growth Development finds it laudable to engage all Youth leaders of political parties in Ghana to pledge their commitment to breaking the emerging cycle of electoral violence, tension, and apprehension before, during, and after general elections in the country.
Adding that the overarching goal is to foster a culture of peace, advocate for peaceful elections, and promote tolerance and peaceful co-existence before, during, and after the electoral process.
He says the cause of conflicts during the past elections is not from people above 70years but from the Youths so the motive is to mobilize all the youth executives in various political parties to speak to their members and pledge for peace in the upcoming election.
