By King Amoah.
In a powerful declaration, the Dagomba chief of Shai Osudoku, Nana Alhaji Alhassan Latiff Lugsana, has issued a fervent plea to , stop using our children as pawns in your games of political violence.
This urgent message comes in response to the increasingly critical role that young people from Zongo communities are playing in election-related activities.
In light of recent events and media reports from Connectghananews.com, the chief has taken a stand to advocate for the empowerment, protection, and education of Zongo youth against unscrupulous political exploitation.
The chief’s remarks were made during a forum organized by the Sarkin Aboabo in collaboration with the Muslim Executive Foundation (MEF), which aimed to promote unity and peace within Zongo youth.
This initiative is particularly crucial as the electoral season approaches, a time when politically motivated violence often surges, and young people are disproportionately affected. Nana Alhassan Lugsana condemned the tactics used by some politicians who, in their insatiable quest for power, manipulate the youth for their own gain.
According to the chief, many politicians take advantage of the socio-economic challenges facing Zongo communities, particularly the illiteracy rates among the youth. They lure young people with the promise of posts, wealth, and a better future, only to discard them once their utility has expired.
“They offer our youth mere peanuts to fight their battles,” he lamented, “and when tragedy strikes, they quickly wash their hands of any responsibility.” The chief’s poignant question remains: if these politicians are as noble as they claim, why do they not use their own children to carry out these dangerous tasks?
Nana Alhassan Lugsana’s call to action extends beyond mere condemnation; he urges the youth to wise up and discern the true intentions of these politicians. “It is time for our youth to say no to those who have nothing good to offer, except to manipulate and exploit them,” he declared. He likened the situation to using the youth as “a rotten sponge to bath,” emphasizing the urgent need for a reversal of this trend.
Praising the efforts of the Muslim Executive Foundation, the chief called for concerted efforts among community leaders to enhance political awareness in Zongo communities.
It is vital for young people to understand their rights and what actions to take during election periods. Armed with knowledge, they will be better equipped to reject any suspicious approaches from individuals with ulterior motives.
The message is clear: it is time for Zongo youth to reclaim their narrative and actively participate in shaping their communities, free from the shadow of political violence and manipulation. Nana Alhaji Alhassan Latiff Lugsana noted.
As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, the role of civic education becomes ever more important.
Nana Alhassan Lugsana’s passionate plea serves as a reminder that true leadership involves the upliftment of the community rather than its exploitation.
