The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Resident Representative, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, has urged Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to refrain from violence during the upcoming December elections.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a sensitization workshop on ECOWAS protocols for secondary and tertiary students in Accra, he emphasized the importance of peaceful participation in the electoral process and called for a collective commitment to national unity, stability, and the strengthening of democratic values.
The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in partnership with ECOWAS, brought together over 12 selected senior high schools from the capital.
The event aimed to raise awareness among young people about ECOWAS protocols, policies, and programs that shape the economic, political, and social landscape of West Africa.
“The youth should remain calm and refrain from engaging in violence. Violence is destructive, and in the end, it is the youth who will suffer the most. Elections are not a do-or-die affair; they are about Ghana, not any individual or political party. If we choose a path of destruction, it is Ghana that will bear the consequences, not the election process itself. Political leaders should show magnanimity in accepting the outcome of the elections.”
“I urge everyone to promote peace, remain calm, and conduct themselves with maturity so that Ghana can elect the leader who is best suited to guide the country in the upcoming elections,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ambassador Ramses J. Cheland, highlighted that the workshop would provide Ghanaians with an invaluable opportunity to better understand the foundational protocols that guide the operations of ECOWAS. These protocols include the free movement of persons and goods, as well as the promotion of democratic governance and conflict resolution.
Ambassador Cheland also emphasized the ongoing impactful projects within the region, which are having far-reaching effects on the social, economic, and political landscape.
He further stated that Ghanaian contributions and insights will be crucial as the region works together to advance the goals of ECOWAS.
Source: Ghana/Starr FM.com.gh/103.5FM/Benjamin Sackey
