By Samuel SAM
The ‘Youth for Peace’ campaign has been launched in the Sagnarigu Municipality of Northern Region, urging young people to become ambassadors for peace and development during the upcoming December 7 General Election.
The initiative, spearheaded by Star Ghana Foundation with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), aims to encourage the youth to lead peace advocacy efforts in their communities. The campaign focuses on preventing violence and fostering harmony in the municipality and the nation.
Fr. Thaddeus Kuusah, Northern Regional Executive Secretary of the Peace Council, highlighted the critical role youths play in national development. He warned against engaging in violence, which could jeopardise their future, and called on young people to advocate for peace before, during and after the election. “The development of our country requires the active contribution of the youth; and peace is a vital foundation for this,” he said.
Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, Executive Director of Star Ghana Foundation, emphasised the importance of youth involvement in peace-building. He noted that the campaign aims to address long-standing conflicts in the region, including intra- and inter-ethnic disputes, land conflicts, political vigilantism and threats of violent extremism. He added: “As an organisation, we will continue to engage the youth across the country, advocating for their inclusion in governance and improving access to public services for economic growth”.
The initiative also seeks to foster collaboration between traditional authorities and the youth to ensure peaceful coexistence. Alhaji Tanko reiterated the organisation’s commitment to conducting research that informs peace and security interventions tailored to community needs.
Some participants expressed gratitude to Star Ghana Foundation and its partners for the initiative. Rahina Abdul-Majeed, one of the youths at the event, said the sensitisation programme had provided valuable insights into the electoral process and the importance of safeguarding peace.
The campaign is part of broader efforts to strengthen social cohesion and promote sustainable development in northern Ghana, ensuring the upcoming election is free from violence and conflict.
