High unemployment rates and dwindling trust in law enforcement agencies are creating a perfect storm that may lead to violence ahead of Ghana’s December polls, according to Randy Frimpong, Youth President of Joy Word House Chapel International. Frimpong stresses that the dire youth unemployment situation is a significant contributor to this risk, as young people may feel compelled to engage in violence to support their political parties simply to survive.

This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for religious leaders to step up and promote peace. Pastor Gideon Addae Boahen, General Overseer of Joy Word House Chapel International, emphasizes that the church plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the country. With many citizens being church members, pastors have a responsibility to educate their congregations and encourage cohesion among political party members.

Religious leaders can play a crucial role in promoting peace and preventing violence. By harnessing their platforms, they can:

– Educate Congregations: Pastors can educate their congregations on the importance of peace and tolerance.
– Encourage Cohesion: Religious leaders can encourage cohesion among members of different political parties.
– Promote Interfaith Dialogue: Interfaith dialogue can help break down barriers and promote understanding among different religious groups.

In other parts of the world, religious leaders have successfully promoted peace and prevented violence. For example, in Bangladesh, religious leaders have worked together to address safety and security concerns, while in the Sahel region, faith leaders are promoting interreligious understanding and cohesion.