Violence has no place where there is tolerance - NCCE

Obuasi (Ash), Nov. 09, GNA - Tolerance is the antidote to most violent clashes and riots recorded over the years across the country, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has observed.

It said it was important for Ghanaians to embrace tolerance in all situations to deepen democracy and also consolidate the country’s reputation as one of the peaceful and stable States in Africa.

Mr. Richard Osei, Programmes Manager of the NCCE at the Ashanti Regional Office who made the observation, underlined the need for people to respect divergent views and also learn to make their own case without drawing daggers.

He was speaking at an Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting organised by the Obuasi East District Directorate of the NCCE on violent extremism.

The meeting, which sought to discuss the impact of violent extremism was attended by stakeholders drawn from political parties, youth groups, Muslim and Christian leaders, persons with disability, district assembly, and the Police.

It formed part of a national campaign being implemented by the Commission to promote national cohesion and peaceful co-existence with funding from the European Union (EU).

Mr. Osei said it was in the interest of every Ghanaian to work towards peace considering how violent extremism had devastated many countries in the sub-region over the years.

He called on traditional and opinion leaders to show interest in peacebuilding at the community level to avert the escalation of petty issues that sometimes degenerated into huge conflicts.

Madam Jennifer Ofori, the District Director of NCCE said activities of terrorist groups in neighbouring countries must serve with caution for Ghanaians to be security conscious.

She advocated pragmatic measures to foil any attempt by terrorist groups to attack innocent people, especially in border towns.

She said the meeting also sought to equip participants with in-depth knowledge in security issues to be able to provide their constituents with the right information to enhance security in communities.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Martin Asenso, the District Police Commander, bemoaned cases of political violence and drug abuse in the District and urged stakeholders to take steps to address the problem.

He said his outfit was committed to maintaining law and order in the District and called on all stakeholders to play their respective roles to ensure peace in the area.