Methodist Church Ghana launches campaign against vigilantism

The Methodist Church Ghana, Accra Diocese, in collaboration with its Youth Development Ministry (YDM), has launched the second edition of a youth advocacy campaign, "Methodist Youth Against Vigilantism", to discourage political vigilantism and promote peaceful election.

The campaign, which is on the theme: “Cultivating a culture of peace,” aims to educate young people on the dangers of vigilantism and its potential threat to disrupt elections, was launched in Accra last Sunday.

The campaign will run weekly from November 2024, until the election date of December 7, 2024. It will feature community floats, zonal peace marches, football matches and educational programmes to educate the public on the harmful effects of vigilantism.

The initiative is in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the National Peace Council. 

Rationale

The Diocesan Vice Chairman of the YDM, Frank Spencer Forson, further said that the campaign was to conscientise and discourage the youth from engaging in violent activities that could bring the upcoming election into disrepute.

"Our goal is to educate young people on how harmful vigilantism can be and to encourage them as Christians to shun any activities that threatens the peace and stability of our nation,” he said.

The launch of he second edition of the campaign, Mr Forson said, was a renewal of their commitment to peace, adding that the various activities put in place was to bring attention to the need for peaceful conduct during the electioneering.

He said it was also to remind communities of the harm political vigilantism could cause, not only to individual lives, but the democratic process.

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“Vigilantism has no place in our democracy, it is our duty to ensure that our young people understand that violence only harms our future as citizens. 

"We are not just focusing on our church members but the community at large because everyone must understand the dangers involved," Mr Forson added.

Capabilities

An official of the NCCE, Lucille Hewlett Annan, urged electorate to vote based on development and capability of candidates and not on religious affiliation.

She also warned against spreading of false information and encouraged citizens to always verify information before sharing, saying "if someone sends you something you are not sure of, don’t forward it, delete it. It can cause chaos."

Mrs Annan further entreated political leaders to avoid violent and intemperate language during  political campaigns, adding "we must be mindful of our words. If you disagree, disagree respectfully. The language we use should unite us, not divide us”.

Collective efforts

A member of the Greater Accra regional Peace Council, Dr Afua Boatemaa Yakohene, said achieving and maintaining peace required collective efforts.

“Peace is not just the responsibility of our leaders or institutions, it is something that every citizen must contribute to,” she added.

Dr Yakohene urged all to embrace diversity and reject violence in all forms no matter the circumstances. 

“As we join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Peace, it is crucial to stress that peace is not a choice, but a necessity.

“Peace is the foundation upon which the country can continue to thrive and prosper as the “shining light of Africa,” she said.

For his part, the Kaneshie Divisional Command and Station Officer, Chief Inspector Samuel Kaledzi, said the security agencies have joined forces to maintain peace and security during the elections.

“We must remain patient and gentle, understanding that peace is vital not just for today but for the future of our families and our nation,” he added.