The Council of Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) of Ghana, on Saturday held a peace programme in Accra, using a basketball shot as a symbolic commitment to ensure peace in the December general election.
Dubbed: "a shot for peace towards election 2012", the programme was under the auspices of the World Alliance of YMCA and it had brought together members of “the big six of YMCA," including the Ghana Red Cross Society, Ghana Girl Guides, Head of State Awards Ghana, Ghana YWCA and Ghana Scout to commit themselves towards the course of peace by shooting 500 baskets.
Mr Reynolds Kwadwo Kissiedu, National Chairman, YMCA stated that even though Ghana was considered a citadel of peace and growing democratic governance in Africa, it was important not to over look the fact that the country was not immune to electoral conflicts that other countries had experienced.
"This year's election is indeed a test to the well touted democratic credentials of Ghana. There has been a high political tension over the period, we have witnessed a situation where both the government in power and the opposition are making predictions beforehand, the print and electronic media are filled with accusations and counter accusations, character assassination, libel. All are serving as indicators that pose a great threat to the peace that we all enjoy in our beloved nation," he said.
According to him, safeguarding the peace in the country was a shared responsibility, urging all stakeholders including, political parties Electoral Commission and the media to join hands to ensure peaceful election 2012.
"Every shot today means we are committing ourselves towards a serious work for peace before, during and after the 2012 elections. Let us come together and say No to electoral violence."
The YMCA is a leading international youth movement in the world that seeks to promote social justice and peace to enhance development of the body, mind and spirit of young people and their communities, irrespective of religion, race, gender or culture.