- WACCE CEO urges politicians to use decent language.
- Polarized politics risks electoral instability in Ghana.
- WACCE introduces "Building Changemakers" project for youth.
- Project aims to prevent electoral violence through community service.
The Executive Director of West Africa Centre for Counter Extremism (WACCE), Muqtar Mumuni, has urged leaders of the two main political parties to use decent language in their campaigns. This call comes as Ghana prepares for its December polls, with the political space becoming increasingly polarized.
Mumuni warned that the persistent use of intemperate language can affect the quality of policy discourse and create tension, making the election period vulnerable to instability. He emphasized that the narratives used by politicians can taint each other’s image, especially between the two main political parties, and can degenerate into violence.
Mumuni cautioned politicians to be mindful of their language, as it has the potential to inflame violence and emotions among their followers. To contribute to a peaceful election period, WACCE has introduced the “Building Changemakers for Change” project.
This initiative aims to engage young people in communal service and patriotism, recognizing that idle youth can be swayed into negative actions. The project will be rolled out in Tamale and Accra, with over 120 youth recruited to receive training in tree planting, painting, and clean-up exercises.
The initiative is in collaboration with the American Embassy in Ghana and seeks to positively engage young people in community service, building patriotism and preventing potential electoral violence. By promoting decent discourse and engaging youth in positive activities, WACCE hopes to contribute to a peaceful and stable election period in Ghana.
