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To ensure that Ghana continues to enjoy peace after the November polls, the Inspector General of Police, Mr John Kudalor, has begun a dialogue series dubbed ‘IGP’s Dialogue with the Youth of Political Parties’.

The purpose of the dialogue series is to meet key stakeholders, especially the youth, and deliberate on proactive measures to ensure peaceful elections.

Speaking at the maiden session of the dialogue, Mr John Kudalor stated that Ghana has a youthful population and this makes the youth critical stakeholders in issues of peace, security and development.

“Mindful of the prominent role of peace and security to peaceful elections and the distinct role of the youth in this endeavour, the police administration intends to engage the youth to attain this goal,” he added.

According to him, the service believes that a large percentage of the youth from different socio-economic and political backgrounds have helped in consolidating Ghana’s democracy through active participation, adding that they have also leveraged on their knowledge to use their social media platforms for various agenda.

He was quick to note that, regrettably, some of the youth have also been involved in some unlawful activities that tend to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

Touching on measures the police administration will employ to safeguard the electioneering process, he held that the police administration will engage the various leaders of the political parties to work as a team towards the season.

Adding to that, the IGP stated that the Police Administration would not take kindly to political vigilante groups that spring within some political parties.

He recounted that the last by-election in Talensi saw the manifestations of some form of political violence by vigilantes.

Mr Kudalor seized the opportunity to caution the followers, supporters, members and sympathisers of all political parties in the country to desist from activities that stand to undermine and disrupt the peace and security of the nation.

Sidi Abubakr Musah, National Youth Leader, National Democratic Congress (NDC), stated that his party has started sensitising the youth on the need to follow due process instead of resorting to violence.

“We will comply with all the necessary roadmaps that will ensure that Ghana’s peace is not sacrificed for political interests,” he added.

Sammy Awuku, National Youth Leader, New Patriotic Party (NPP), called for the need to give the minority a level playing field in the electioneering process.

“As of now actions of independent bodies are geared towards the ruling government and these are not ingredients for fair and transparent elections,” he declared.

He stated that the NPP will not append its signature to documents or agreements that are not geared towards the interest of all.