In an event organized in the Central Region by Youth Vision International in collaboration with the National Peace Council, nine constituencies were identified as potential hotspots. The event was held to foster youth empowerment and promote peaceful elections under the theme, “Putting Ghana First.”
Rt. Rev. Richardson Aboagye Andam, Regional Chairman of the NPC, highlighted these findings during the “Ghana First Youth Symposium” held at the University of Cape Coast.
The 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 areas, the Council identified a total of 42 flashpoints in the Awutu Senya-East-Constituency (Kasoa), which stands out as the most critical in the region known for its overall tranquility. This makes it the most critical area in the region.
Rt. Rev. Andam assured the public that the Council and its partners had engaged relevant stakeholders to prevent violence before, during, and after the elections. Security agencies are actively monitoring the identified areas to respond swiftly to any signs of unrest.
He appealed to all Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to be tolerant and respect differing opinions to maintain social cohesion and electoral peace. In his address, he also condemned vote buying and selling, describing it as a practice that undermines democratic values. He described it as a deeply entrenched issue that had perpetuated political corruption and impeded the nation’s progress.
He further urged voters to exercise their civic duties with integrity, free from financial inducements or political coercion.
Assistant Director of the Cape Coast Metro Office of the National Commission for Civic Education, Madam Araba Aikins, also appealed to youth activists to adhere strictly to Ghana’s electoral laws. She said this would 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.
Richard Ohene-Kwashie, a representative of Vision Youth International, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to youth empowerment and peace building. He reminded the youth of the importance of maintaining national stability, emphasizing that Ghana’s peace should remain non-negotiable.
