By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), Dec. 24, GNA – The Social Innovative for Literacy and Development Programme (SILDEP) has engaged journalists and other media practitioners in the Upper West Region as part of efforts of the organisation to promote social cohesion in the region.
The engagement was in partnership with Save Ghana and the Capacity Enhancement for Community Support (CAPECS) Ghana under the “Strengthening Cohesion in Upper West” project, a component of the “Security in Northern Ghana (SING)” project fronted by STAR-Ghana Foundation.
Funded by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the project aimed to enhance cohesion and resilience in the region through community policing initiatives, community anti-violence response, inter-ethnic dialogues, and the development of effective early warning and response mechanisms, among others.
Speaking at the opening of the one-day workshop, Mr Moses Luri, the Chief Executive Officer of SILDEP, observed that the world was faced with the daunting challenge of maintaining peace and combating terrorism.
He added that it was the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure peace, security, and cohesion within their respective jurisdictions.
He recognised the crucial role media played in fostering social cohesion and combating the threat of terrorism, which he said informed the engagement to solicit its support in that regard.
“It is everyone’s duty to ensure peace and security, and contribute to combating terrorism, but that of the media is so crucial in setting the agenda…
In a world increasingly interconnected through technology, the media serve as a bridge connecting diverse communities and facilitating informed dialogue”, Mr Luri explained.
He added that the media could also promote diversity and encourage inclusive practices within the communities by giving voices to minority groups and communities such as the Fulbe community and persons with disabilities.
According to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, Northern Ghana was vulnerable to violent extremism due to its proximity to Burkina Faso, which had become an epicenter of violent extremism.
Madam Museidatu Alhassan, the Project Officer at CAPECS, noted that her organisation had implemented some initiatives to promote social cohesion, including strengthening community savings and loan schemes.
In a presentation at the engagement, Mr Raymond Saanuo Aa-enir, the Programme Manager of the Upper West Regional Peace Council, indicated that the region’s vulnerability to extremist activities was compounded by the chieftaincy disputes, drug abuse, and many unapproved routes in the area.
He encouraged the media to advocate against the negative actions of the people in the region that could open the area to violent extremism.
The project was implemented in six border communities in the Sissala East and Sissala West Districts to build community resilience and promote collaboration between residents and security agencies.
Representatives of the Fulani Youth Association of Ghana (FUYAG) in the region also attended the engagement.
GNA