NCCE encourages community members to prioritize security issues

Mr. Oscar Donkor, Jaman North District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has urged community members to actively engage in security matters by collaborating with security agencies to prevent potential threats.

He noted that collaboration is crucial for creating a safer and more cohesive community, enabling citizens to freely participate in their daily activities.

Mr. Donkor made these remarks during a dialogue session between the Ghana Police Service and the community, aimed at fostering trust and cooperation.

The event, organized by the NCCE in Sampa and supported by the European Union under the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) Action, focused on addressing the threats of violent extremism and promoting social cohesion.

The session convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional authorities, Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), women, youth, security services, and students.

Mr. Donkor highlighted Ghana's security challenges posed by neighboring extremist groups and emphasized the NCCE's role in raising awareness and fostering community cohesion to prevent extremism.

He stressed that maintaining security is a collective responsibility, referencing the Sampa Chieftaincy dispute, which led to violence and a curfew, affecting the entire community, including those not directly involved.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Peter Owusu, Jaman North District Police Commander, underscored the importance of transitioning police officers from living in barracks to residing within communities.

He asserted that this shift would improve engagement and trust between law enforcement and the public, noting that the essence of community policing is to create a safer society through active collaboration.

DSP Owusu advised against judging individuals solely based on their appearance, as terrorist or extremist groups often disguise themselves to blend into society. He urged that assessments of individuals be based on their actions and deeds, which truly reflect their character.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Sampson described extremism as characterized by violence to achieve goals, intolerance of different beliefs, and discrimination.

He noted that factors such as unemployment and injustice could lead individuals to join extremist or terrorist groups.

Rev. Peter Anane Nketiah, Chairman of the District Inter-party Dialogue Committee (IPDC), encouraged residents to report any suspicious individuals, extremists, or criminal activities in their communities to the police without hesitation.