Government has been asked to protect the youth to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

A youth activist, Mrs Juana Opare, who made the call, also tasked civil society, religious bodies and Government to include the youth in decision-making.

She was speaking at a workshop organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center for Ghanaian youth, in Accra on Thursday, on the theme: “The Role of the Ghanaian Youth in Election 2012.”

The youth activist advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to create troubles and violence during elections.

Mrs Opare also tasked the youth to ensure peace, unity, and safeguard the image of Ghana.

She advocated accountability and transparency in elections, and appealed to the Electoral Commission to ensure the success of the upcoming biometric voter registration.

Brigadier General Benjamin F. Kusi, Deputy Commandant of the Centre, called for the education of the youth on the electoral process, and cautioned: “Election is about counting heads and numbers and not about cutting heads.”

He advised politicians to avoid using the youth to perpetrate violence.