NCCE holds youth engagement on Peace and Countering Violent Extremism in Builsa South

In a pivotal step toward fostering a peaceful and secure electoral environment, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) organized a youth engagement session on Peacebuilding and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) in Builsa South on Wednesday.

The event, held at the Fumbisi District Assembly, attracted notable regional and district officials, leaders from religious institutions, immigration authorities, and young leaders representing diverse communities and organisations in the district.

The program was crafted to encourage dialogue, bolster social cohesion, and sensitize youth to the dangers of violent extremism, especially as the country approaches a high-stakes electoral season in 2024. The European Union provided funding for the initiative, acknowledging the strategic importance of empowering communities to resist extremist influences and maintain a peaceful electoral process.

Program Highlights

The event opened with a Christian prayer led by a Youth Parliament representative, followed by self-introductions of participants to foster camaraderie among attendees from diverse backgrounds. Following this, Mr. James Ayaala, the Upper East Regional NCCE Director, delivered the opening remarks, setting a tone of urgency and unity. Mrs. Caroline Aliko, the District NCCE Director, then welcomed participants, emphasising the event's focus on peacebuilding, tolerance, and resilience against extremist influences.

The program lineup included powerful presentations by experts and religious leaders, a focus group discussion segment, and concluded with an Islamic prayer, encapsulating the spirit of interfaith unity in the district.

Opening Remarks from the District NCCE Director

In her address, Mrs. Caroline Aliko underscored the significance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the upcoming elections. She highlighted the looming threat of violent extremism as a global challenge, warning that tensions can make young people more susceptible to radicalization, especially in the face of economic hardships, corruption, and marginalisation.

Mrs. Aliko elaborated on how extremist factions exploit such vulnerabilities through sophisticated recruitment and propaganda efforts, targeting the youth to foment unrest and propagate violence. “Our goal here today is to prevent and contain violent extremism by promoting peace, tolerance, and social cohesion across Builsa South and other hotspot areas,” she emphasised. Mrs. Aliko further acknowledged the European Union’s financial support in bringing this critical engagement to fruition and called on the youth and all stakeholders to resist the pressures that may incite them towards violence.

Insightful Guidance from Regional Director, Mr. James Ayaala

Hailing from Builsa land himself, Regional Director Mr. James Ayaala provided a culturally resonant perspective on the importance of peace and democracy. Reflecting on Ghana’s progression towards its ninth (9th ) national election since 1992, he noted that tension often accompanies electoral periods. "If we truly understand democracy, there should be no tension. Peace is the foundation that allows citizens to go about their business in tranquilly," he stated.

Mr. Ayaala stressed the importance of voting based on policy rather than ethnic or religious affiliations, recounting harrowing incidents of intra-party violence as cautionary tales. He cited cases such as the fatal incident involving Alhaji Imoro Adam, a regional political figure, whose life was tragically claimed due to internal party conflicts. He warned participants against prioritizing loyalty to political parties over their own safety and well-being, observing that party officials often offer only token condolences following the loss of a party member.

Encouraging responsible civic engagement, Mr. Ayaala spoke about the challenges that Burkina Faso and neighbouring nations face due to violent extremism, urging attendees to stay vigilant, especially given the stakes in the upcoming election, with both major presidential candidates hailing from the northern belt. He closed by reminding participants of the Electoral Commission’s guidelines on electoral conduct, stressing the role of these regulations in promoting peaceful, fair elections.

Presentation on Radicalization by Immigration Commandant Robert Ubindam Robert Ubindam, representing the Paga Immigration Commandery, delivered a sobering presentation on radicalization, a pressing concern for Ghana’s border districts. Using impactful visuals, he depicted the severe repercussions of extremist actions and highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives, such as establishing ballistic cabins in Kasena-Nankana West, to bolster security and protect against extremist threats.

Mr. Ubindam discussed the challenges posed by porous border conditions and cited Ghana’s geographical proximity to Burkina Faso, which has been grappling with violent extremism. Issues such as ethnic conflicts and high unemployment rates exacerbate the risk of extremist influence within Ghana’s vulnerable communities. He outlined the National Framework for Preventing Violent Extremism, which focuses on the “Four Ps”—Prevent, Pre-empt, Protect, and Respond—as a holistic strategy against extremism. “We urge all youth to remain vigilant and to work closely with security agencies, providing information that could help us protect our communities from potential threats,” he concluded.

Promoting Social Cohesion: Presentation by Reverend Fr. Michael

Rev. Fr. Michael, a respected religious leader, took the stage to address social cohesion and the role of tolerance in fostering harmony. He advocated for the elimination of religious, ethnic, and cultural discrimination and encouraged participants to engage in interfaith dialogues and community-building activities. By fostering mutual understanding and acceptance, communities can bridge divides and build resilience against extremism.

Rev. Fr. Michael shared practical methods to strengthen social cohesion, from organising interfaith sports and cultural activities to addressing shared challenges such as social justice and environmental sustainability. “Social cohesion isn’t just a community goal; it’s a personal commitment. We each have a responsibility to act with tolerance and compassion towards others,” he stated, urging attendees to actively promote unity and inclusion within their communities.

Focus Group Discussions: Sharing Key Takeaways

Following the presentations, participants broke into focus groups for in-depth discussions on the main themes of the program. These groups included representatives from the Ghana Immigration Service, various youth associations, and community organisations such as the Youth Parliament, GPRTU, and associations from Chiok, Yerinsa, and Sinsangsa, among others. Each group synthesized their insights and shared key takeaways with the larger assembly, reflecting a strong commitment to unity and peace.

A Call for Lasting Peace and Vigilance

The day concluded with a moving Islamic prayer, bringing the multi-faith gathering to a close. Participants left with a renewed understanding of their role in safeguarding peace and countering violent extremism in their communities. This engagement marked a significant step forward in Builsa South’s preparations for a peaceful and responsible electoral process.

As tensions traditionally rise during election periods, events like these demonstrate the critical importance of proactive measures in promoting peace and preventing the spread of violent ideologies. The NCCE’s youth engagement on PCVE is an inspiring example of how collaborative efforts across religious, governmental, and community lines can cultivate resilience, harmony, and civic responsibility among Ghana’s youth.

Source: modernghana