Professor Ransford Edward Gyampo, a Senior Lecturer in the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, has issued a stern warning to the youth.
He cautions them against becoming pawns in the hands of politicians who have ulterior motives and do not have the best interests of the country at heart.
Professor Gyampo emphasizes the futility of young people engaging in violence, risking injury or even death for politicians who do not involve their children in such dangerous activities.
According to him, it’s an unfortunate reality that in Africa, many conflicts that arise during elections are a result of politicians manipulating and exploiting the youth.
Historically, youths have been hired by politicians to carry out violent acts during elections, often resulting in tragic consequences with no accountability or compensation.
Professor Gyampo stresses that as the upcoming election approaches, politicians are making arrangements for their families to escape potential conflicts, leaving the youth to bear the brunt of any violence.
In light of this, Professor Gyampo urges the youth to resist the temptation of being used by politicians and to prioritize their well-being and future over being manipulated for political gains.
“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.
Prof. Gyampo was addressing the media at the launch of GroupStand for Peace and Growth Development in Accra.
He emphasized that Ghana had witnessed peaceful elections over the years and it is imperative to maintain and consolidate the tenets of democracy.
He said, 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 on the other hand said the group is putting things together to engage all political leaders to roll out the ” Youth Pledge for Peace in December polls”.
The initiative aims to reinforce the principles of peace among all Ghanaians before, during and after the forthcoming 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 70 years 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.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com /Bernard K Dadzie
