The National Peace Council (NPC) has identified nine Central Region constituencies as potential hotspots for electoral unrest.
These are Awutu-Senya-East, Effutu, Agona-West, Assin-North, Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Cape Coast-North, Twifo-Hemang-Lower-Denkyira, and Upper-Denkyira West and East.
The council has flagged 42 specific flashpoints within Awutu Senya-East (Kasoa) alone, highlighting this constituency as a particular area of concern within a region generally known for its tranquility.
These findings were revealed by Right Reverend Richardson Aboagye Andam, the Central Regional Chairman of the Peace Council, at the Ghana First Youth Symposium held at the University of Cape Coast.
The symposium, organized by Youth Vision International with support from the Peace Council, aimed to empower young people and promote peace during the election period.
Despite the identified risks, Reverend Andam assured attendees that proactive engagement with stakeholders is underway to prevent violence. Security agencies are closely monitoring the high-risk areas, and efforts are being made to address any potential issues promptly.
Reverend Andam urged citizens, especially young people, to practice tolerance and respect differing views, emphasizing these as crucial elements of a peaceful election. He strongly condemned vote buying and selling, highlighting its corrosive effects on democratic values and national progress.
The Assistant Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at Cape Coast Metropolitan assemy, Madam Araba Aikins echoed this call, urging youth activists affiliated with political parties to uphold electoral regulations and resist exploitation by politicians seeking to gain an electoral advantage through inflammatory tactics.
Mr. Richard Ohene-Kwashie of Youth Vision International reiterated the organization’s dedication to youth empowerment and the preservation of Ghana’s peace and stability. He stressed the importance of maintaining calm and avoiding any actions that could jeopardize the nation’s progress.
