By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog
Paga (U/E), Nov 21, GNA – The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ghana, in partnership with the National Peace Council, has organised a football game between the Paga youth and the security services in the Kassena Nankana West District to bridge the gap and foster peace between the two.
The game, which was the highlight of series of dialogue sessions and peace-building activities in the district, formed part of CRS’s Prevention of Violent Extremism Through Social Accountability (PoVETSA) II project.
The PoVETSA project is being funded by the Dutch government and being implemented in partnership with the Peace Council in five regions, including Upper East, Upper West, North East, Northern, and Greater Accra, aimed at improving trust relations between civilians and security services towards the prevention of violent extremism.
The match, which ended with a 3-1 victory in favour of the youth, was a symbolic step towards peace as both teams, regardless of the outcome, celebrated the event as an opportunity to build lasting relationships.
In her remarks, Adelaide Yiriyelleh, Project Manager of the PoVETSA at CRS Ghana, noted that the event was not only about the game but also about building trust between the two to see themselves as partners in ensuring peace.
She emphasized that while the match provided a fun way to strengthen the ties between the two, as organizers, they were hopeful that it would lead to sustained peace in the community and the spirit of cooperation would continue to ensure peaceful relationships.
Mr. David Angaamba, Principal Program Manager of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, said building a cordial relationship between the security services and the civilians was crucial to countering the activities of violent extremists.
He said violent extremists took advantage of conflict situations, but with peace between the two, they would be able to work together to resist extremist ideologies for sustainable peace to advance the development of the country.
He called on the youth to guard themselves against being used by any actor to cause mayhem in the community and be advocates for peace.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Robert Ubindam, Head of Operations and Intelligence at the Paga Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service, said the match served as an opportunity to connect with the youth and foster a sense of unity.
DSI Obindam noted that security was a shared responsibility, and the activities would help build cohesion and remind them that they were all part of the same community.
“It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about understanding each other and coming together to work to ensure the peace of our country, and we are grateful to the CRS and the Peace Council for initiating this peace process,” he added.
Mr Wenawome Aborah, Youth Chairperson of the Paga Youth Movement, while expressing his gratitude for the initiative, said the move by the CRS was in the right direction to fostering peace and cooperation between them, and his outfit was committed to working with the security to combat crime.
GNA