Catholic Relief Services engages youth on peaceful, credible elections

A forum on youth and elections, organised by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a non- governmental organisation, has been held to empower young people to actively participate in the election process and ensure it is peaceful and credible.  

It was also to address the trust deficit among the youth and security services, foster collaboration, and promote civic responsibility to mitigate risks of electoral violence and strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of political tensions. 

The forum, which brought together the youth from various communities in the Northern Region, is part of the CRS’ project dubbed; PoVETSA II, implemented in partnership with the National Peace Council. 

The PoVETSA II project, which is a continuation of PoVETSA I, seeks to improve civilian-security trust relations towards the prevention of violent extremism. 

It is supported by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) among other institutions and funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Mr Timothy Akanpabadai, Head of Office, Tamale, CRS, speaking during the two-day forum, urged young people to play active roles in promoting peace and justice in their communities.  

He touched on the importance of young people sharing their experiences and standing for justice and peace, encouraging them to be advocates of peace. 

He urged them not to allow themselves to be used as vehicles of destruction and take responsibility, model positive behaviour, and care for others while inspiring their peers to emulate good act. 

Mr Augustine Owusu, the Head of Peace and Security Programme, KAIPTC, urged the youth to approach discussions with open mindedness and build ideas.  

They should explore strategies that empowered them to engage constructively in the elections and sustain their involvement in governance and national development, he said. 

Madam Saadatu Maida, a Council Member, Northern Regional Peace Council, encouraged young people to act as peace ambassadors to ensure more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful communities.  

Miss Adelaide Yiriyelleh, Project Manager, in-charge of PoVETSA II at CRS, urged participants to share the knowledge gained with their peers and community members, and take active role in promoting peaceful elections.