The meeting was aimed at reinforcing the crucial role of political parties as key stakeholders in ensuring peace and security in the country before, during and after the 2024 elections.

It also sought to establish effective procedures for addressing inter-party and intra-party grievances.

In attendance were representatives of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), political parties, women groups, people living with disabilities, security agencies, religious leaders, opinion and traditional leaders amongst other stakeholders.

There was an open forum for participants to share opinions and offer constructive suggestions to promote peace.

Mr. Mahama Osman, Karaga District Director of NCCE, speaking during the event at Karaga, said it formed part of the second phase of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project being implemented by the NCCE with funding support from the European Union to strengthen state and non-state actors in the fight against violent extremism.

Mr. Osman emphasised the importance of peace and the need for all to work towards maintaining peace, especially now, during and after the December polls.

He emphasised that unity was paramount in the fight against violent extremism and urged the participants to remain united.

Chief Superintendent Peter Adjei, Karaga District Police Commander, who spoke on PCVE, told participants that maintaining peace, especially in an election was important in the fight against violent extremism because political dispute was one of the key drivers of violent extremism.

He said political leaders must consider youth unemployment as a threat to national security, appealing to the youth to acquire self-employable skills to keep them busy so as not to become targets for extremist groups.

He cautioned political leaders especially to be mindful of the things they say about their opponents since their words could influence the youth.

Mr. Owusu Meshad, Karaga District Director of the Electoral Commission appealed to the people to cherish the peace of the area.

Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, Northern Regional Director of NCCE, expressed need for all to work towards peaceful elections in December to keep the country safe.

Catechist Peter Baba, Chairman of Local Council of Churches at Karaga, said the engagement should be extended to communities in the district to drum home the message of peaceful coexistence.

Mr. Yakubu Ibrahim, Karaga Constituency Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, urged the District Police Commander and the District Director of the Electoral Commission to demonstrate a high level of professionalism in their dealings to ensure fairness.

Mr. Amidu Sulemana Sugri, Karaga District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, urged political leaders to always find a way to manage conflicts peacefully.