NCCE takes step towards transparent, accountable governance

In a bid to promote peaceful and inclusive governance, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is launching a series of initiatives aimed at empowering Ghana's youth towards transparent and accountable governance.

With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), the NCCE has rolled out the initiative to enhance citizens' active participation in governance processes.

Mr. Samuel Asare Akuamoah, NCCE Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, who launched the event, noted that the aftermath of the 2024 general election has seen pockets of violence involving youth activists of political parties.

He said to address this issue, the NCCE will organize four Youth Leaders' Empowerment Dialogue sessions in tertiary institutions across the country, stressing that “these sessions aim to sensitize participants on their critical role in maintaining peace and stability in the post-election period.”

Mr. Akuamoah, who was the guest at a landmark event held at All Nations University in Koforidua in the Eastern Region on March 12, 2025, explained that the initiative marks a significant milestone in the NCCE's efforts to enhance the skills, knowledge, and disposition of youth leaders in tertiary institutions and out-of-school youth.

“By empowering these young leaders, the NCCE seeks to leverage their influence in shaping community narratives, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and mitigating potential unrest,” the NCCE Deputy Chairman stated.

He said the Youth Leaders' Empowerment Dialogue sessions in tertiary institutions will target 100 participants at each of the four zones, comprising civic education club members and students' bodies drawn from different tertiary institutions.

He said the dialogue will cover topics such as the Role of Youth in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and National Cohesion, The Consequences of Post-Election Violence, Conflict Resolution Mechanisms and Negotiation Skills, Important Elements of Citizens Participation, Addressing Post-Election Misinformation and Disinformation, and The Illicit Use of Arms and Its Impact on Stability.

In addition to the dialogue sessions, the NCCE will also organize four sensitization sessions targeting out-of-school youth in flashpoint constituencies and districts, he stated.

Mr. Akuamoah noted that “these sessions aim to equip the youth with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a peaceful and non-violent political environment.”

Ms. Nana Yaa Ophelia Ankrah, NCCE Eastern Regional Director, in her remarks, explained that the Youth Leaders' Empowerment Dialogue sessions would be held on March 18, 25, 27, and April 2, 2025, while sensitization sessions for out-of-school youth started on February 25, ran through March 4, 11, and ended on March 12, 2025.

She said these events aim to promote peaceful and inclusive governance in Ghana, and the NCCE invites all stakeholders to participate and support this initiative.

Ms. Ankrah said the initiative marks a significant milestone in the NCCE's efforts to enhance the skills, knowledge, and disposition of youth leaders in tertiary institutions and out-of-school youth.

“By empowering these young leaders, the NCCE seeks to leverage their influence in shaping community narratives, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and mitigating potential unrest,” she said.

Ms. Ankrah stressed that the commission seeks to equip youth leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their communities, empower them with conflict resolution skills to promote peaceful coexistence, and build their capacity to foster intergenerational dialogue and community engagement to promote transparent and accountable governance.

“Youth leaders are encouraged to actively engage in discussions, ask questions, and share their experiences. By doing so, they will become ambassadors of peace, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change in their communities,” the NCCE Eastern Regional Director stated.

Ms. Ankrah noted that the NCCE's capacity-building programme is a call to action for Ghana's youth leaders to work together to build their capacity, enhance their performance, and drive positive change in their tertiary institutions and communities.

"Let us work together to build the capacity of the youth, enhance their performance, and drive positive change in our tertiary institutions and communities," she noted.

Ms. Ankrah emphasized that by supporting these key stakeholders, the project seeks to build trust, reinforce democratic practices, and ensure that governance processes are inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

“This will contribute to sustaining peace and national cohesion beyond the electoral cycle while promoting long-term stability and development,” she stated.