TOWARDS A NATIONAL SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS OF NONVIOLENCE IN GHANA’S DECEMBER 2012 ELECTIONS

In December 2012, Ghana will be embarking on another democratic election of its presidency. Ghana is known to be a relatively peaceful country; however, with the turn of events in the world, it is important to maintain peace and unity. Writing about peace denotes that there is potential for conflict. In many countries around the world, when we listen to the news we hear and see the impact of conflict in communities. The recent uprisings in Libya, Tunisia, Syria, Rwanda, Sudan, and the post election violence in Kenya 2008 would attest to this. Therefore, knowing what peace is, understanding the reasons for conflict, practical non violent means of solving problems and the practice of peace will help prevent conflict post elections 2012.

Each individual in a community is responsible for ensuring peace. Peace is from the Latin word pax, meaning "freedom from civil disorder," (oxford dictionary 2012). The founder of youth icons Mister Yaw Osei Darkwa is an award recipient of June 2011, the Bruce W. Tancrell Outstanding Recognition Award for Peace and Nonviolence Promotion. He is a key youth organizer and educator of peace and non violence in Ghana. Peace and nonviolence training workshops are provided to youth leaders to enhance and promote non- violent ways of conflict resolution.

In March 2012, Youth Icons will be embarking on another of these educational seminars. The three day intensive peace and nonviolence education will take place in Suyani in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The focus is preemptively equipping national youth organizers of the various political parties in non –violent ways of conflict resolution. At this point in our worlds' chaotic social environment, the need to reduce political tension and violence within Ghana should be our priority.

Youth Icons being a nonprofit organization depends on societies financial input to provide the free non-violence training workshops for youth leaders and organizers in the country. Ghanaian business however appear to lack the understanding of supporting such positive social initiatives. Businesses and business persons are more inclined in associating and supporting the arts (musicians) rather than education initiatives that will maintain peace in the country and help foster their business growth. In speaking with the founder of youth icons, he expressed the difficulty in gaining business persons support for this important workshop.

As Ghanaians both at home and in the Diaspora, it is our responsibility to educate, promote and maintain the peace that the country has known within these past few years. It is also important to support the youth in the nonviolent ways to maintain and promote peace. Let us support the youth leaders of the various political institutions during this December 2012 elections by supporting Youth Icons in what they do.

For more information on Youth Icons visit youthicons.org

Written by Bernadette Poku