BOYA urges Bongo youth to champion peace ahead of December polls

Story:  Iddrisu Sham-Una Ghazi

 As Ghana gears up for the December 7, 2024, general elections, the Bongo Youth Association (BOYA) has issued a heartfelt plea to the youth of Bongo to prioritize peace and reject violence during this election period. The organization emphasizes that the stability of the nation and the democratic process heavily relies on the youth’s commitment to harmony.

In a statement underscoring the grim realities of conflict, BOYA warns of the devastating repercussions of war. “War is not just about shooting guns and ending lives,” the statement reads. “War is starvation, deprivation, fear, and the loss of loved ones. It leaves behind a legacy of hopelessness and creates generations of illiteracy.” Drawing lessons from the histories of Rwanda, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, BOYA urges the youth to learn from the scars left by conflict in these nations.

BOYA further calls on young people to resist any efforts by politicians or individuals to incite violence for personal or political gain. The organization’s statement passionately reminds the youth, “Your vote is your power. Don’t let anyone deceive you into trading your future for temporary favors. United, we stand up for Ghana; divided, we fall.”

Recognizing the shared responsibility for maintaining peace, BOYA appeals to various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious organizations, civil society groups, and law enforcement agencies, to collaborate in creating a secure and trustworthy environment. They also advocate for open dialogue among youth groups to foster understanding and solidarity.

BOYA’s Executive Director reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to peace and development, urging the youth to become ambassadors of peace. “We stand for peace and development in Bongo and Ghana at large,” the director stated. “We urge every young person to reject violence and be ambassadors of peace in their homes, schools, and communities. Together, we can ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.” As Ghana approaches this critical moment in its democratic journey, BOYA’s call resonates with a plea for unity and the acknowledgment of the value of every vote. “Let us show the world that Ghana remains a beacon of peace and democracy in Africa,” the statement concludes.