TAMALE, Ghana – Elections have always been a transformative and reformatory characteristic of many politically balanced countries these days. It is a common phenomenon in many developed and even developing countries. It is a means of giving voice to the people, especially in democratic nations; the freedom to choose their own political leaders and to contribute in the decision making process of the country.
Ghana has been holding elections since 1992 when the country became democratic and has seen the highs and lows of this system. The country has come a long way transitioning from a previous military regime to a more autonomous one. Many at the time feared this transition as they believed it wasn’t going to be a smooth one without violence or even war. However, the nation stood strong and has long since overcome the pandemonium that once threatened the peaceful nature of the country.
Ghana has since then become the envy of many African countries due to its peaceful and stable nature, even during elections. This year, as elections draw nearer the entire nation is geared towards peace. Government in collaboration with the media has launched many TV and radio campaigns to spread the message of peace throughout the nation. The police have partnered with churches and community leaders to check crimes in their various communities. Some youth have also launched individual campaigns to speak out on peace. It is the hope of government that this message will resonate in the hearts and minds of Ghanaians even after the elections when the winner has been announced.
Also speaking on peace is MacCarthy Mac-Gbathy, co-founder of Hopin Academy “Elections are as important as maintaining peace in the country, perhaps even less so than peace. When there is peace, there is development, there is growth and more importantly we attract the respect and admiration of other countries. It is our duty then to do all we can, all we must to uphold the integrity of our dear nation Ghana, as a hub of peace, tourism and development” He further expressed his feelings about youth involvement in elections this year. “There is a vast difference between elections four years ago and now. Now the youth have become more actively involved, we’re making sure our voices are being heard; we’re using social media and any medium possible to spread the message of peace. We won’t allow ourselves to be coerced by any political party into creating chaos during and after this year’s elections”. He further added that “Ghana is our home and there is no place like home, we will keep it safe and intact for next generations”
This year Hopin Academy and its partners; RUMNET, YEFL and Ghana Friends in Denmark have launched the Youth Speak UP project to speak out on many of these issues including peace before, during and after elections. The goal of this project is to promote active participation of youth in rural communities through the use of social media and digital tools. The project focuses mainly on youth in some four deprived districts of Tamale, Northern Ghana; Kumbungu, Savelugu, Saboba and Karaga. Youth Speak Up will be holding both offline and online discussions on how maintain peace before, during and after the election in the identified districts. Discussions will be held on the premises of Hopin Academy in Tamale, Ghana, both online and offline discussions will be held concurrently on 26th November 2016. Follow discussions on twitter/facebook using the hashtag – #YouthSpeakUp
Hopin Academy is a social enterprise based in Tamale, Northern Ghana that provides a privatized and more alternate approach to the educational system in Ghana. It provides training to individuals and organizations that are interested in marketing, design, film, communications and entrepreneurial work. The academy has established academic partnerships with many international institutions including, Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College to bring to its students a more globalized and diversified approach to learning.
For further information please contact; MacCarthy Mac-Gbathy, Co-founder, Hopin Academy, E-mail: maccarthylomotey@gmail.com Web: www.hopinacademy.org
Great success stories . Our community journalist are truly and surely making the change in their various districts,
Our community journalist through radio and new media communication skills, they have the capacity to persuade duty bearers to attend to issues of development and today some issues have been solved. from light, road, infrastructure etc. All they needed was the tools and capacity to use them then they will tell their own stories to the media.
Youth Speak Up Idea Platform 