In recent years there is hardly any day without news on the threats of violent extremism and terrorism or actual occurrences of it in the West African Sub-Region.
Countries surrounding Ghana and the coastal states bordering the Gulf of Guinea have recently either witnessed attacks or identified the presence of terrorist groups and their activities within their jurisdictions.
“When your friend bead is on fire, you need to get water closer to yours” hence the need for this awareness creation in Ghana more particularly in the five Regions of the North which are becoming increasingly vulnerable given the activities of Jihadists in neighboring Burkina Faso.
In marking the 2033 citizenship week celebration under the theme: 30 Years of Consolidating Constitutional Democracy and Building National Cohesion; the Role of Ghanaian Child” the district directorate of the commission admonished the citizenry to report suspicious characters to the security agencies.
This was contained in a public education forum at Jollinyiri on prevention and containing violence extremism (PCVE).
Mr. Aawone Charles urges the people to close their ranks and peacefully coexist with each other.
He added that when the community is united and tolerates each other’s views be it political, religious, or ethnic views, violence cannot find its way into the community.
This public education was carried out among faith base organizations who in most cases are always the primary targets, women groups and youth groups. Speaker after speaker including the Daffiama Bussie Issa District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Mr. Abdul Rahaman Osman, echoed the need for every citizen to be security conscious and report anybody that they suspect could be a threat to prevailing peace and cordial environment being enjoyed by the good people of the district. Other topical issues discussed were: peaceful coexistence and inter-faith tolerance; triggers and effects of violent extremism; awareness of VE at worship centers /workplaces/markets/lorry stations etc; signs of radicalization; ways to prevent violent extremism and radicalization of the youth; and what to do during violent attacks.
The programs were organized in the Jollinyiri community to local community members and actors on civic rights and responsibility with an emphasis on awareness creation in the effort to end violent extremism. The market queens, traders, and community women numbering 100s participated and shared their experiences, and asked questions for clarification. Remarkably, there were women with special needs and disability who took part in the program.
Filed By
Tahiru Lukman
Author / Development Consultant
Emaill: lukmantahiru@rocketmail.com