NGO Encourages Ghanaian Youths To Participate in Biometric Exercise

Accra, April 15, GNA – Youngstars Foundation Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, has embarked on an outreach to encourage the youth and young eligible voters to participate in the on-going biometric voter registration exercise.

The programme dubbed, “Yen Kasa, Wugbaa Sane!!! (Let’s Talk)” uses a film titled ‘my vote fit change’ to educate and create awareness among the youth on the importance and the need to participate in the voter registration exercise.

The initiative would also sensitise young people on the importance of monitoring and reporting the quality of voters’ registration as part of electioneering ownership culture among youths.

In an interview with Ghana News Agency, Mrs Naa Adei Boateng, Country Director of Youngstars Foundation, said the programme would be carried out across the country to increase young people’s awareness and interest in the exercise and Election 2012.
She said over the years, there had been a perception among the populace that their votes would not decide an outcome of an election as others were ignorant of the fact that only valid registered voters shall be eligible to vote during elections.

She noted that youths within the voting age were estimated to be 35 per cent of the national population which represent a significant number that can determine an outcome of an election.

“Many young people are usually ignorant of the importance of being a valid registered voter and thus youth participation in the exercise can be low, invariably resulting in low turnout of young voters during the election”, she said.

Mrs Boateng observed that Election 2012 had the potential to witness a large number of first time voters especially, the youth if adequate sensitisation programmes are organised.

“Yen Kasa is crafted to address these concerns especially among the youth”, she said.

She urged any Ghanaian who is 18 years and above to register to vote during the general election.

Source: GNA