By Hamza Sulemana, GNA
Tamale, Dec 08, GNA – Students of the Bagabaga College of Education in Tamale have been sensitised on hate speech, disinformation, misinformation, and counter narratives as part of efforts to prevent violent extremism.
The day’s sensitisation forum, was also to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify early warning signs and promote responsible communication in their communities and future classrooms to help the fight against violent extremism in the country.
It was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana, in collaboration with the Northern Regional Peace Council with funding support from Foreign Commonwealth Development Office.
It was in line with the UNDP Ghana’s goal of promoting social cohesion, responsible governance, and community-level resilience against violent extremism.
About 100 students including the Executive of the Students’ Representative Council of the College, course representatives, and leaders of ethnic and religious student groups of the College participated in the forum.
Mr William Adongo, Project Officer, Preventing Violent Extremism, UNDP Ghana, speaking during the forum at the College in Tamale over the weekend, said the rising security concerns in the West African sub-region was a concern hence the sensitisation.
Mr Adongo said although Ghana had not experienced major violent extremist attack, border communities remained vulnerable making early sensitisation essential.
He said extremist groups often targeted the youth, especially those in tertiary institutions due to limited knowledge about their recruitment tactics.
He highlighted some strategies of extremist groups such as disinformation, misinformation, malicious propaganda and false narratives designed to mislead and manipulate, hence the sensitisation of the youth to be aware of them.
He said UNDP Ghana had conducted trainings for journalists in the north as well as held district-level engagements and community sensitisation sessions to curb such vulnerabilities.
He emphasised that “We don’t want to wait until violent extremism hits us. We must act now, understand the signs, and resist manipulation.”
Alhaji Abdul-Razak Saani, Council Member, Northern Regional Peace Council cautioned students about being unaware conduits for extremist ideologies.
He urged the student teachers to be vigilant and look out for signs of radicalization amongst their peers such as withdrawals or isolation, sudden adoption of extreme beliefs, spreading conspiracy theories, hostility toward others and excessive consumption of extremist media.
He emphasised that “Not everything you see online is true. Use fact-checking tools, consult experts, and rely on credible sources.”
Alhaji Saani raised concerns about abuse of drug and explained that it increased vulnerability to radicalization.
He said “You are the future teachers. The community will look up to you. Teach the children the truth and protect them from those, who want to manipulate them.”
The students were encouraged to speak up against hate speech, verify information before sharing, promote unity within diverse student populations, report suspicious activities and to serve as peace ambassadors in their schools and communities.
The students expressed gratitude for the sensitisation forum saying it was relevant for their future roles as teachers.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Kenneth Odeng Adade