Tongo, Upper East Region (Nov. 11) — The Centre for Social Mobilisation and Sustainable Development (CENSODEV), a Navrongo-based civil society organization, has launched a voter education campaign in Ghana’s northern regions to boost citizen involvement and support peace during the 2024 elections.
With support from the International Republican Institute (IRI) and USAID’s Political Accountability Activity (POLA), CENSODEV is working in five regions—Upper East, Upper West, North-East, Bono East, and Western—to promote greater political participation, especially among marginalized groups. The organization is using Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and media engagements to reach women, youth, and tribal minorities, encouraging them to take an active role in Ghana’s governance.
CENSODEV’s Executive Director, Braimah Sanjage, said the outreach includes district-level events in places like Tongo in the Talensi District, where he recently met with over 55 local artisans, including tailors, hairdressers, and welders. He emphasized the campaign’s focus on equipping citizens to participate in the election process and to support peace.
Rising political tension in Ghana, particularly in the Upper East Region, is a critical concern, according to Sanjage. He noted that persistent conflicts, including the century-old Bawku dispute, have led to significant displacement and loss of life. This instability, along with limited economic development, has increased vulnerability to extremist groups from neighboring regions like Burkina Faso, where local frustrations over economic stagnation have allowed terrorist organizations to gain influence.
