NGO cautions politicians against misusing the youth

Mr Cletus Ayireje, Project Manager of Techiman Civic Union, a non-governmental organisation in Techiman Municipality, has cautioned politicians against influencing the youth to engage in violent acts to achieve their goals in the December polls.

He said politicians should not to infringe on the rights and freedoms of the youth by deceiving them to cause problems during the electioneering campaign and the elections.

Mr Ayireje was speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at Nkoranza jointly organised by Ahenbronoso Care Foundation and the Union, aimed at helping to create a congenial atmosphere to ensure the December elections would be violencefree.

The meeting was attended by representatives of political parties, the media, religious bodies, traditional authorities and the Electoral Commission.

Mr Ayireje expressed concern that some politicians doling out money and other gifts to the youth in their quest to seek power and asked the youth to guard against such practices.

“The youth must not forget that the politician will never allow their children to engage in violent activities and it would be a grievous mistake for them to sacrifice their lives for others to win power,” he said.

Mr Isaac Ekow Essien, Nkoranza Municipal Electoral Officer, urged the public to have confidence in the Electoral Commission and abide by all the electoral processes.

He advised party agents at the biometric voters’ registration centres to be self disciplined and to comport themselves well to ensure peace and understanding amongst the people.

“It will be a mistake on the part of any party’s representative to challenge the eligibility of a prospective voter through physical attack as that can result in violence”, Mr Essien said.

He said they should follow the procedures laid down by the Commission and fill the challenge form.**