Eschew politics of insult – NYFP to politicians
National Youth for Peace (NYFP) has called on political leaders, particularly those vying for office in the presidential and legislative branches, to avoid engaging in derogatory and personal attacks in their political discourse.
Rather, it said, the political actors should promote peace as the trend was unhealthy for Ghana’s democratic progress as the country gears up towards the 2024 general elections.
“They ought to discuss matters of the nation’s purpose and mission, and admirable concepts that can advance the nation. In order for us to be persuaded and support them instead of insults and personal attacks, it is time for them to deploy their excellent police,” it said in a statement issued by the Executive Director, NYFP, Mr Eric Baffoe Nyarko, and copied the Ghanaian Times in Accra, yesterday.
The statement emphasised the necessity to put the national interest above personal grievances, noting that peace was the prerequisite for development.
It expressed concern about the recurring threat of electoral violence, referencing some occurrences which happened during the 2008 and 2016 elections which nearly claimed some lives.
“Both the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party have been beating war drums; this is standard political discourse. Since this is not the first time such a declaration has been made, we refer to it as the standard declaration that there is no evidence of war in the nation,” it added.
The statement called on the Chief Imam, the clergy, and other authorities to use their positions to preach peace rather than salvation, saying “when there is peace, there is salvation, freedom, and a good living.”
Additionally, it urged the Electoral Commission and the security services to ensure every voter was thoroughly examined, before allowing entry into the polling station and also prevent voters from bringing cell phones to the polls, with the exception of the media.
“To the young people, we should cease letting politicians take advantage of us for their own gain and refrain from using derogatory language. Instead, we should take a cue from the Liberian refugees who lived with us in Bujumura,” the statement concluded.
BY TIMES REPORTER