TAMALE: The Promoting Actions to Address Vulnerabilities in Elections (PAVE) project has been launched in Northern Ghana, aiming to bolster peace and security in the electoral process through enhanced transparency, inclusion, and civic awareness. The initiative seeks to ensure credible electoral outcomes by focusing on increasing civic awareness among minority ethnic and excluded groups. According to Ghana News Agency, the 20-week project is being carried out in nine districts across three regions in the northern part of Ghana. These districts include Gushegu, Karaga, and Saboba in the Northern Region; Central Gonja, West Gonja, and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Savannah Region; and Chereponi, Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri, and Yunyoo-Nasuan in the North East Region. The Centre for Social and Development (CSD) Reform, in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Coastal States Stability Mechanism, is spearheading the project. Mr. David Yiridong Issaka, Executive Director of CSD Reform, highlighted during the launch in Tamale that the project, which commenced last month and is slated to conclude in March 2025, will utilize community representatives to create and spread voter literacy messages in local languages. This approach aims to ensure that voter literacy materials are inclusive and encourage participation. The languages targeted include Dagbanli, Kpankpanlli, Anufor, Gonja, Bimoba, and Fufulde. He emphasized the significance of minority ethnic groups' participation in the election, noting that it is crucial for improving cohesion and respecting the rights of eligible voters regardless of their gender, race, or ethnicity. Madam Ekanem Bassey, Head of Sub-Office at the Coastal States Stability Mechanism, expressed that the project is expected to promote peace and resilience throughout the general election period. She remarked on Ghana's peaceful nature and the collective responsibility of all citizens to preserve it. Mr. Mahama Osman, Karaga District Director of NCCE, praised the init iative, stating that its activities align with the NCCE's mandate to educate the public on national issues and social well-being. Alhaji Abdul Razak Saani, Council Member of the Northern Regional Peace Council, commended CSD Reform and its partners for the project, stating that it would enhance social cohesion and sustain peace. He reaffirmed the Peace Council's commitment to supporting the project, noting its importance in maintaining sustainable peace and security.