NCCE Launches a €1.7m EU Public Education and Awareness Project on Violent Extremism and Terrorism

NCCE LAUNCHES A €1.7M EU PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROJECT ON VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM

The National Commission for Civic Education, (NCCE) has signed and launched an 18-month project dubbed, “Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE)” in Accra to intensify public education and awareness creation on violent extremism. NCCE will benefit from a €1.7 million grant from the EU for the implementation of the PCVE project.

Speaking at a twin event; signing of the grant and launch of the project, the Chairman of NCCE, Ms. Kathleen Addy said the PCVE Project is an EU/NCCE collaboration to help prevent and contain violent extremism and terrorism and promote social cohesion, peace and tolerance in Ghana. Ms. Addy said the project will be rolled out in five (5) regions in the Northern part of Ghana; “the regions are Upper West, Upper East, Savannah, North East and Northern Regions and three other border regions, namely; Oti, Bono East and Bono. It will be implemented in 63 districts and 8 regional capitals.”, she explained.

Among other activities to be featured under the PCVE Project, Ms. Addy mentioned are baseline study that will be undertaken to inform and guide the implementation of the project, symposia in tertiary schools, media engagements, social media campaigns, community outreaches with cinema vans and door to door engagements.

Ms. Kathleen Addy believes the PCVE Project is timely especially when neighbouring countries are faced with the risks of the threats of activities of violent extremists. She said, “extremists, impose their belief systems on citizens using fear and intimidation to achieve religious, ideological or political goals. She asked, “Imagine your relative/spouse being gunned down in front of you”. Violent extremists are no respecter of persons! Consequently, the most affected are women, children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities (PWDs), leading to a breakdown of social order. The worsening part of the situation is the indoctrination of some youth to gain ground in our local communities even before they physically attack. This makes the country more vulnerable, especially in these critical economic times”. She opined, “…it is a real battle, a battle for the hearts and minds of people”.

Ms. Addy further indicated that the project will solidify the efforts of state and non-state actors, rally support from other relevant stakeholders and reduce the risk of the youth of Ghana being brainwashed. She gave the assurance that NCCE will continue to create awareness at the national, regional and district levels and expressed her profound gratitude to the EU and other partners.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly expressed confidence and trust, having witnessed the work of the NCCE over the years and especially during the implementation of the EU NORPREVSEC project. He much-admired the NCCE’s network in all districts across the country and its capacity to increase reach. The EU pledged their support and referred to this project as a great example of “an integrated approach”.

Ms. Addy later declared the project launched, after signing the agreement together with Ms. Anna Lixi, Head of Security and Governance, EU delegation to Ghana.

Present at the event was the Deputy Chairman of Operations, Mr. Asare Akuamoah. Mr. Akuamoah thanked all partners for a successful ceremony and re-emphasized that the NCCE will actively engage citizens with civic messages and outreaches that seek to significantly help contain and prevent violent extremism in Ghana.

Other speakers drew the NCCE’s attention to areas that need to be highlighted and considered during the implementation of the PCVE Project.

The ceremony was witnessed by FPI Regional Team from Senegal, representatives from religious institutions and security agencies, EU project managers at NCCE, the media and staff of NCCE.