Supporters of political parties in Ghana have once again been advised to be tolerant of divergent views since democracy thrives on the free expression of divergent perspectives.
Speaking to JoyNews on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Adolescent Parliament in Sunyani, the Country Director for Global Media Foundation (GLoMeF), Clement Boateng, said disagreeing with the views or opinions expressed by others who do not share one’s political ideology should not make the person an enemy.
He, therefore, appealed to political actors to accommodate one another's views to ease political tension in the country as the 2024 election campaign hits up.
Mr Boateng noted that many parts of the country, including the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions, have not been spared the intolerance that has sneaked into Ghana's politics, sometimes leading to undesired consequences.
He cautioned especially supporters of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to allow their political differences to divide them as a people.
"At the end of the day, we are one people with a common destiny that politics must not make us enemies," he added.
He commended Ghanaians for sustaining the peace and stability of the country and contributing to massive development.
"We hope that the 2024 general election will not be different from the previous elections, which were peaceful," Mr Boateng expressed.
The Country Director of GLoMeF specifically advised the youth to reject any attempts by groups or individuals to use them to cause chaos before, during and after the upcoming general election.
He stressed, "This is because the self-seeking politicians and their partners who goad the youth into fomenting disturbances always shield their children and relatives from such troubles".
Mr Boateng further urged political party leaders to refrain from using unguarded statements in their campaigns since such remarks tend to inflame passions, which could eventually plunge the nation into chaos.
He encouraged the electorates to reject any political party that would use threats and intimidation in its campaign.
The Adolescent Parliament is one of the critical components of a 3-year Resilient City for Adolescents Project, being implemented by GLoMeF in partnership with Indigenous Women Empowerment Network and Citizens Watch Ghana.
It is a platform for the adolescents in the Sunyani Municipality of the Bono region to influence governance and demand accountability.
Members of the Adolescent Parliament have been carefully selected from various communities in and around Sunyani to meet occasionally to deliberate on issues and embark on advocacy to influence decision-making in the area.
Latest Stories
-
CBG records GH¢1bn revenue in Q3
1 min -
Mahama vows to create an agro-processing zone in Afram Plains
15 mins -
Political parties should plan for losses, not just wins – IGP advises
17 mins -
524 Diasporan Africans granted Ghanaian citizenship in ceremony
18 mins -
Mahama urges Afram Plains North residents to avoid ‘skirt and blouse’ voting
20 mins -
Asantehene receives more 19th century gold ornament and regalia
27 mins -
Hohoe Ghana Blind Union organises training for members ahead of Election 2024
34 mins -
Alan Kyerematen reveals his future plans for Ghanaian Health professionals
35 mins -
AAIN empowers women and small enterprises in Upper East Region through SHINE project
36 mins -
Akufo-Addo leads nationwide commissioning of 80 educational projects
42 mins -
Ghana and Seychelles strengthen bilateral ties with focus on key sectors
1 hour -
National Elections Security Taskforce meets political party heads ahead of December elections
1 hour -
Samsung’s AI-powered innovations honored by Consumer Technology Association
2 hours -
Fugitive Zambian MP arrested in Zimbabwe – minister
2 hours -
Town council in Canada at standstill over refusal to take King’s oath
2 hours