The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has urged Ghanaians and political actors to refrain from inciting the youth to engage in violence during and after the December 7 elections, emphasizing the importance of peace and harmony.
As part of a nationwide campaign to mitigate electoral violence, NADMO is engaging stakeholders, including residents of ghettos and slums, to assess the country’s preparedness for potential election-related crises.
The initiative, dubbed “Exercise Stay Safe,” brought together representatives from various security agencies and civil society organizations.
Addressing the media, Mr. Seth Osei Kissi, the Ga East Municipal NADMO Director, acknowledged that while Ghana has established a reputation for conducting peaceful elections and smooth power transitions, recent events in the region highlight the need for proactive measures to prepare for any possible fallout from the upcoming elections.
Mr. Kissi explained that the simulation exercise aligns with NADMO’s mandate to coordinate efforts among agencies and stakeholders to manage humanitarian-related activities, aiming to test their readiness for any election crises.
He and his team have begun outreach efforts in local ghettos and slums to educate residents about the importance of violence-free elections.
He emphasized that the involvement of all stakeholders reflects their collective commitment to ensuring not only peaceful elections but also a proactive approach to preventing election-related violence and disasters.
Key focus areas include peace processes, hate speech, dialogue, disinformation, and the safety of journalists.
Mr. Kissi called on stakeholders and government agencies to collaborate in fostering a successful and peaceful electoral process in the country.