By: Abubakari Akilu
The North East Gonja District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from the European Union, held a youth engagement program in border communities aimed at preventing and containing violent extremism.
The initiative, which took place from October 16 to October 19 at Wulanyili Pentecost Church, brought together community leaders, youth groups, security agencies, and other stakeholders for discussions centered on fostering unity, patriotism, and peaceful coexistence within the district.
Ms. Martha Bagbin, the North East Gonja District Director of NCCE, In her opening remarks, emphasized the critical role of community stakeholders in building resilient communities.
She highlighted the importance of interfaith tolerance and addressed the risks of misinformation and disinformation on social media, urging participants to verify information before sharing to avoid fueling extremism.
Ms. Bagbin also expressed concern over rising drug abuse among youth, linking it to increased susceptibility to radicalization.
Inspector Haruna Mohammed of the Kpalbe Police Station reinforced the role of law enforcement in community safety. He urged participants to cooperate with the police by reporting any suspicious activities that could lead to quick response and intervention.
Inspector Mohammed also provided guidance on recognizing signs of radicalization and on protective measures during violent incidents.
Participants, including 43 men and seven women, engaged actively in group discussions, brainstorming strategies to detect and report extremism-related threats within their communities.
They explored early warning mechanisms, conflict mediation approaches, and ways to counter arms proliferation.
Mr. Zakaria Mumuni, Secretary of the Gonja-land Youth Association, encouraged the youth to focus on peace and development, stressing the importance of responsible public communication in conflict prevention.
Despite logistical challenges, including poor road conditions and a lack of public address equipment, the engagement was considered a success.
Relationships built with stakeholders, such as chiefs, assembly members, and religious leaders, are expected to support ongoing and future programs aimed at promoting peace and stability in the district.
Key attendees:
1. Inspector Haruna Mohammed – Ghana Police Service
2. Zakaria Mumuni – Gonja-land Youth Association
3. Albert Futukpor – Ghana News Agency
4. Abdulai Fuseini – Jantong Daashie Assemblyman
5. Samuel Mohammed Zakaria – Janton Dabogshie Assemblyman
6. Mr. Thomas Awuntomah – NCCE Regional Office
The program emphasized the shared responsibility of communities in preventing extremism, with youth engagement as a central pillar in the district’s broader peace-building efforts.
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