Violent extremism: NCCE engages border community youth groups in Bongo

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged youth groups in border communities in the Bongo District in the Upper East Region as part of efforts to prevent violent extremism.

The youth groups were selected from Namoo, Boko, Feo, and Kansoe communities. Discussed issues of violent extremism and how they could play a crucial role in preventing its infiltration into the country.

The engagement formed part of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project being implemented by the NCCE in eight regions across the country.

With funding support from the European Union (EU), the project aimed at raising awareness among young people about the dangers of violent extremism and related conflicts, particularly along the borders ahead of Ghana’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

The engagement also focused on augmenting the youth’s understanding of peacebuilding mechanisms, social cohesion, and community-based mechanisms, including identifying early warning signs and basic community-based strategies for countering arms proliferation.

Facilitators from the Ghana Immigration Service and other stakeholders led participants through a workshop on tolerance and building social cohesion, with the goal of empowering the youth to promote peaceful engagement and civic responsibility and reject divisive ideologies.

As part of its efforts to prevent electoral violence, the NCCE is working closely with stakeholders, including traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and security agencies, to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Alice Ndego, the Bongo District Director of the Commission, underscored the significance of the role of the youth in strengthening Ghana’s democracy and shaping the country’s future.

She stated that “the gathering demonstrates the youth’s potential to counter electoral violence and extremism, and by promoting peace, unity, and progress, they can set an example for others.”

Ndego urged the youth to desist from spreading messages that would cause conflict and urged them to support the security agencies to maintain peace and stability in their respective communities.

She cautioned the youth against joining extremist groups and added that activities of violent extremists had negative effects on lives and the country at large.