The Al Qibla Muslim Association of the Ashanti Region, in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Electoral Commission, has launched a peace campaign for the 2024 election.

The program, themed "Peaceful Election, the Muslim Factor," aimed to raise awareness about the importance of promoting peace, voting on issues, and demanding accountability.

Siddick Abdul Razak, the Ashanti Regional director of Al Qibla, spoke to the media and stated that the event was organized to prevent the Muslim community from being associated with electoral violence.

He emphasized that the perception of Muslims as violent in the country is incorrect. Mr. Razak stressed that they advocate for peace and organized this youth advocacy initiative to promote peaceful election campaigns.

Mr. Razak highlighted the significance of involving community leaders in Islam and the Zongo to create concrete plans that could be presented to politicians.

He stated, "This will ensure that our leaders are not just making promises, but are taking action to address the needs of our communities." The initiative also aims to address the vulnerability of Zongo communities to violence, especially during election periods.

Mr. Razak urged young people to avoid violence and called for a peaceful and honorable election. The program was well attended by stakeholders such as imams, leaders from the Zongo communities, parents, Muslim youth, and representatives from political parties.

Mr. Razak also emphasized the participation of the EC Director in the initiative, highlighting a collective effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process. He described the initiative as a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in the Ashanti Region during the upcoming elections.

The EC Ashanti Regional Director, Mr. Francis Osei Nsia, stated that for peace to prevail in this year's election, there must be fair play, which the Electoral Commission is committed to providing.

He advised Ghanaians to reject the notion that elections can be rigged, emphasizing the impossibility of rigging by the Electoral Commission.

Mr. Nsia commended the organizers of the program and expressed the commission's readiness to support similar programs in churches, mosques, and communities to educate voters.

During his address, the Regional EC director educated the audience on the role of the Electoral Commission and the expected code of conduct for voters.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to ask questions for the EC director to answer.