NCCE holds media advocacy workshop on combating terrorism, violent extremism

By Albert Futukpor/Elizabeth Abban

Tamale, Nov 08, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has held a media advocacy workshop for journalists to promote effective communication and media content to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

The two-day workshop, held in Tamale, was attended by selected journalists, drawn from the northern parts of the country.

It formed part of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project implemented by the NCCE with funding support from the European Union.

It was on the theme: “Effective Communication for the Sustenance of PCVE Project.”

Miss Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of NCCE, speaking during the workshop, said the country still faced the threat of violent extremism, hence, the need for media responsibility to prevent it.

Ms Addy emphasised that, “Journalists must be vigilant and responsible in their reporting by avoiding misinformation and promoting positive narratives.”

She said the PCVE project, which had been running for 18 months now, was to ensure that the citizenry living at the frontiers of the country’s borders, were properly informed and equipped to respond to the threat of violent extremism.

Mr Umaru Sanda Amadu, a journalist, who was a facilitator at the workshop, emphasised the need for effective communication and media content to help counter the threat of violent extremism by promoting positive messages and counter-narratives.

Mr Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, Executive Director, West Africa Centre for Counter Extremism, who was also a facilitator, called for community engagement, social and economic development, and counter-narrative strategies to address the threat of violent extremism in the country.

GNA