Former GBC Staff Urges Youth to Lead in Combating Hate Speech and Misinformation
A veteran journalist, Abdul Haye Moomen, has called on the youth to take control of their destinies and actively contribute to national development.
According to the Former staff of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, young people form the core of this country and must therefore be seen taking active interest in matters that will advance their welfare and that of the country.
Mr. Moomen was speaking in Tamale at an event organised by the West Africa Center for Counter-Extremism (WACCE). The one-day event focused on educating young people about combating misinformation and hate speech to ensure a peaceful election in 2024.
Mr. Moomen emphatically challenged the conventional notion that youth are merely “future leaders,” stating, “They are lying to you when they say you are the future leaders. The future leaders are yet to be born. You are the leaders now, and you should take charge.”
He underscored the critical role of young people in shaping the country’s future and warned them against being exploited by unscrupulous individuals who may incite violence, particularly during the election period.
The Public Relations Officer of the University for Development Studies also questioned why Ghana repeatedly emphasizes peace during election years, a practice not as prevalent in other democratic nations like the United States.
“It is election year also in the USA. Why do we not hear the Americans talk about peace before, during, and after the elections?” he pondered, highlighting a need for a more consistent and ingrained culture of peace and stability.
The forum served as a crucial platform for empowering the youth to take a proactive stance against misinformation and hate speech, which are significant threats to democratic processes and societal harmony.
