By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, May 11, GNA – Security agencies and peacebuilding actors in the Upper East Region have advocated the involvement of young people in efforts to prevent violent extremism and strengthen peace and security, especially within border communities.
They said the youth remained central to both the spread and prevention of violence, making it imperative to engage them in peacebuilding initiatives, intelligence gathering, and public education to curb violent extremism and related criminal activities.
The stakeholders made the call in Bolgatanga during a training workshop on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) for 50 youth leaders drawn from across the Upper East region.
Mr Ali Anankpieng, a Peacebuilding Facilitator, noted that many of the conflicts and violent incidents in communities involved young people either as perpetrators or as persons manipulated into violence.
“Most of the people leading the narratives as to why they are doing what they are doing are the youth. So if you are targeting people to reduce violence, then it is the youth you should be targeting,” he said.
Mr Anankpieng explained that although young people might not have formal roles within the country’s security architecture, they could play critical roles through intelligence sharing, early warning systems, and community engagement.
He said the mobility and social connectivity of the youth positioned them to identify suspicious activities and share timely information with security agencies to help prevent crime and conflict.
He further stressed the need to educate young people on misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media, to prevent them from spreading false narratives that could fuel violence and division.
Mr Victor Akanbonga, Upper East Regional Head of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, expressed concern about the proliferation of illicit arms in the region due to conflicts in the Sahel.
According to him, political instability in neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had increased the smuggling of weapons into Ghana through porous borders, posing serious threats to peace and security.
Mr Akanbonga urged residents, particularly the youth, not to shield persons involved in illegal arms and drug activities but rather to report them to the security agencies for appropriate action.
“Never try to hide a person who is hiding illegal arms because it may not be you today, but it could be your relative tomorrow,” he cautioned.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Robert Ubindam, Head of Operations and Intelligence at the Ghana Immigration Service, Paga Border, highlighted the security risks associated with the porous nature of Ghana’s northern borders.
He explained that the numerous unapproved routes along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border created opportunities for criminal elements and extremist groups to infiltrate communities and recruit vulnerable youth.
“If care is not taken, criminal elements can infiltrate Ghana with the sole aim of recruiting the youth into criminal activities and violent extremism,” he warned.
DSI Ubindam called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, non-governmental organisations, traditional authorities, and the youth to improve information sharing and border surveillance.
He noted that the youth could serve as a bridge between security agencies and local communities through community-based intelligence gathering and by reporting suspicious movements and activities.
Ms Betty Jennifer of the Narcotics Control Commission, also underscored the link between drug abuse and violent extremism, saying narcotic substances often fuel criminal and violent behaviour among young people.
She said the workshop empowered participants to become “youth ambassadors” against drug abuse and violent extremism by encouraging them to report suspicious persons and activities in their communities.
The training aimed to equip the youth with knowledge and practical skills in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, early warning systems, countering extremist narratives, and strengthening community resilience against extremist influence.
It formed part of activities under the second phase of the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (PoVETSA) project, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by CRS in partnership with the National Peace Council and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]