“We assure you of 24/7 security in all 84 polling stations in Builsa North” – ASP Tibiri Joseph

In a bid to curb violent extremism and strengthen social cohesion, the Builsa North District’s National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) organized a youth-focused workshop on Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) on November 13, 2024.

The event, held at the Azenero Social Center in Sandema, brought together representatives from youth and religious organizations to explore strategies for maintaining peace and preventing radicalization as Ghana prepares for its critical national elections.

Opening the Dialogue on Violent Extremism

The program began with a welcoming address by the NCCE Municipal Director, Mr. Jeffery Adda, who underscored the event's objective of equipping the youth with the knowledge and tools to counter violent extremism.

He emphasized the importance of understanding the legal and social repercussions of such activities and the need for vigilance, especially in the face of misinformation and disinformation during the heightened political season. He warned about the dangers posed by fake news, particularly on social media, and its potential to undermine democratic processes.

Mr. Adda expressed gratitude to the European Union for funding the initiative and commended the Ghana Police Service, religious leaders, and traditional authorities for their collaboration. He urged participants to foster interfaith dialogue, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

Insights from Key Speakers

The event featured several presentations, each addressing critical aspects of violent extremism and peacebuilding.

ASP Tabiri Joseph, the Municipal Assistant Police Commander, stressed the pivotal role of youth in preventing radicalization. He highlighted how economic hardships, unemployment, and political affiliations could make young people vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

ASP Joseph outlined key security protocols for identifying and reporting suspicious behaviors, such as the presence of unfamiliar individuals or unregistered vehicles in public spaces. He assured participants that all polling stations in Builsa North would be secured during the elections, with rapid response teams ready to act when needed.

Pastor Adala Nicholas emphasized the role of interfaith dialogue in promoting social cohesion. Using the example of the Jinapor brothers, who maintain family unity despite political differences, he called for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Pastor Nicholas urged participants to act as peace ambassadors, verifying information before sharing it and countering the spread of misinformation.

Engaging the Youth: Group Discussions and Strategies

Participants engaged in focus group discussions to explore strategies for fostering social cohesion and identifying signs of radicalization. The discussions highlighted the importance of organized community activities, such as interfaith sports events, to build bonds among diverse groups. Participants also addressed the role of social media in spreading radicalizing content and emphasized the need for vigilance against fake news.

The importance of protecting whistleblowers under the "If you see something, say something" campaign was also discussed, encouraging responsible community policing and reporting.

Closing the Event

The workshop concluded with remarks from Mr. Adda, who thanked participants for their active involvement.

He reminded them to share only verified information, respect democratic principles, and avoid unnecessary confrontations. The session ended with an Islamic closing prayer and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

Broad Representation and Unified Commitment

The event drew representatives from various community organizations, including GNBC – Bilinsa, Presby and Catholic churches, Muslim Youth, Suwaransa, Kori and Bilinsa Youth, the Ghana Beauticians Association (GHABA), and youth with disabilities. Each group reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace and standing united against violent extremism.

As Ghana approaches its national elections, the Builsa North NCCE’s initiative serves as a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance, civic engagement, and collaborative efforts to preserve peace and safeguard the nation’s democratic integrity.

Source: modernghana