PROMOTE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE – SOUTH DAYI NCCE

Youth activists in the South Dayi District, Kpeve in the Volta Region have benefitted from a workshop on secessionism and violent extremism organised by the National Commission for Civic Education, NCCE with support from the Ministry of National Security. The engagement with the youth groups was aimed at educating the selected groups to support national cohesion and peace-building efforts and also refrain from acts of violence that threaten the peace of this country.

Reverend Theophilus Akaklu, Dean of Peki College of Education addressing participants called on state actors to exercise proper leadership skills at all levels to enhance peaceful coexistence among the people of Ghana. He reminded citizens in leadership positions to promote the interest of Ghana. "As a country, we must agree on a National Development Plan and execute it thoroughly irrespective of changes in government. This will help achieve the national cohesion we envision. Violence extremism he added is not the way to go. Using negotiations and dialogue is a better option”.

DSP Harry Selormey, the South Dayi District Police Commander was present at the event. In a brief presentation he emphasized that nobody or group or political party has the right to create, form, or support an army or militia in Ghana adding that the Vigilantism and Related Offences ACT, 2019 disbands and prohibits vigilante groups; including political party foot soldiers and land guards. "You must know that it is a criminal offence to engage a land guard to protect or guard your property. You will be arrested and liable to conviction to a term of not less than 10 years and not more than 15 years," he said.

A representative from the Ministry of National Security encouraged participants and other well-meaning Ghanaians to report crimes to the appropriate security agencies and contribute towards promoting peaceful coexistence as well as have neighborhood watch groups and community patrols. "To prevent the youth of Ghana from falling victim to terrorist groups, the Ministry of National Security is liaising with relevant ministries and agencies to find solutions to these problems to curb the rise in violent extremism" he indicated.

Mr. Kojo Tito Voegborlo, NCCE Commission Secretary urged young citizens of Ghana to renounce any secessionist group since it is an attack on the 1992 Constitution. He encouraged the youth to contribute to nation-building and find decent jobs, trade, or skills to earn a living. ‘Dream big, have hope, do not allow any extremists to destroy your life and future, defend and protect the peace in Ghana at all cost," he added.

Togbe Adzei Agbai III, Gyasehene of Kpeve also at the event said that Ghana's peace and development must be built on inclusive participation, stability, unity, transparency, love, freedom among others.