The United Nations in Ghana in partnership with Glitz Africa, Ghana’s premier aspirational lifestyle brand is embarking on a campaign dubbed “#YouthVote4Peace”; urging the youth of Ghana to participate in the upcoming December 7 elections in a peaceful and law-abiding manner, and in accordance with the COVID-19 safety protocols.
Ghanaians will go to the polls on 7th December, 2020. This will be the eighth general elections in the Fourth Republic since 1992, an achievement that has earned Ghana the positive reputation of a strong and deepening democratic state. This year’s presidential and parliamentary elections is yet another test to Ghana’s maturing democracy.
Ghana has a predominantly young voter base, with the majority of registered voters being in the age bracket of 18 – 45 years. Although Ghana has enjoyed peaceful elections over the years, there have been reports of a few cases of clashes between the political parties in some areas. This remains a cause for concern and Ghana must remain vigilant and peaceful. In this regard, the UN welcomes efforts to ensure peace and ban the activities of vigilante groups.
The #YouthVote4Peace campaign seeks to conscientise the Ghanaian youth to exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner, refrain from unlawful acts and spreading of fake news that could cause fear and panic before, during and after the elections.
“The message of the United Nations is about peaceful, inclusive and credible elections devoid of violence. If there is one thing we want to see during this election, it is to see “Ghana win” – by continuing its tradition of peaceful, credible and inclusive elections. Ghana has done it in the past 28 years. We are confident that with the right mindset, Ghana will do it again,” said Mr. Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana.
The campaign will feature renowned Ghanaian celebrities and influencers from the movie, media and corporate sectors embracing and spreading the message for peaceful and credible elections. Through social media messaging and video, these influencers will encourage the youth of Ghana to participate in the general election as a positive way in contributing to a credible and peaceful outcome – so that the whole of Ghana wins.
Glitz Africa’s CEO, Claudia Lumor, who also serves as UN Goodwill Ambassador for UNFPA, stated, “The youth of Ghana need to know that it is their civic responsibility to vote. This is one of the sure ways of making their voice heard in national issues. But we need to conduct ourselves in a peaceful manner during the elections so Ghana can move forward. Also, with
COVID-19 still prevalent, we all need to adhere to the safety protocols so we are all protected.”
Influencers collaborating with Glitz Africa to drive this #YouthVote4Peace include personalities such as Anita Erskine, Israel Laryea, Becca, Naa Ashorkor, Berla Mundi, Araba Koomson, Kojo Yankson, Giovanni Caleb among others.
