By Philip Tengzu/Osman Seidu Nipa, GNA
Kupulima, (UW/R), May 20, GNA – Hate speech and information disorder have caused tension between settlers and indigenes in the Kupulima and Puzene communities in the Sissala West District for many years.
The tensions were exacerbated by the rapid spread of misunderstandings, particularly among the youth, fuelled by rumours, unverified information, and inflammatory messages on social media and in community interactions.
A 27-year-old youth leader from Kupulima, who pleaded anonymity, admitted that such practices had become common within the community.
“Whenever rumours spread, many of us react emotionally without checking the facts. This creates fear and anger among the youth,” he said.
He recalled an instance when some people in the community shared information about a purported poultry disease outbreak, which caused panic within the community and led many people to destroy their poultry before they later discovered the information was false.
As part of efforts to address these menaces, the Upper West Regional Peace Council (UWRPC), with support from the Governments of Norway and Denmark through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organised durbars in the two communities.
The durbars, under the “Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in the Atlantic Corridor” (Atlantic Corridor Project), were part of initiatives to strengthen social cohesion and build community resilience against hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation within vulnerable communities along the Atlantic Corridor.
The initiatives, which were under the theme: “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence: Countering Hate Speech and Building Positive Narratives”, brought together 120 participants, including traditional and religious leaders, women and youth representatives, assembly members, and security personnel.
Venerable Dr. Moses Banungwiiri, the Chairperson of the UWRPC, facilitated a session on hate speech, while Mr Clifford Tampuori, the Executive Secretary of the UWRPC, educated the people on misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
The facilitators used practical, relatable examples to explain how misinformation and inflammatory language could fuel mistrust, fear, and conflict within communities.
Through group discussions, role plays, and interactive exercises, the participants learned to transform inflammatory statements into peaceful and constructive messages.
Traditional leaders at the durbars also used the platform to advocate tolerance, peaceful dialogue, and mutual respect among the community members.
They particularly advised the youth to refrain from using derogatory language against minority groups, including the Fulbe community.
The youth leader from Kupulima noted that the programme had significantly changed his approach to communication and conflict resolution.
He explained that he now educates his peers on the dangers of spreading false information and encourages dialogue whenever misunderstandings arise.
The participants collectively resolved to improve interactions within the communities, with the youth resolving to address grievances peacefully.
The participants also pledged to serve as peace ambassadors by promoting factchecking, responsible communication and respectful dialogue.
The durbars helped increase awareness of the dangers associated with hate speech and false information and improve understanding of information disorder and its effects on peace and security, among others.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Philip Tengzu, GNA
Email: [email protected]