By Albert Futukpor, GNA
Tamale, June 06, GNA – Participants at a five-day training workshop on civil-security engagement in preventing violent extremism have lauded the training for strengthening collaboration between security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and community members in the Northern Region.
They said the training enhanced their understanding of violent extremism, improved trust and communication amongst stakeholders and equipped them with practical knowledge and skills to contribute more effectively to efforts aimed at preventing violent extremism especially in vulnerable border communities.
The participants shared their experiences in interviews with the Ghana News Agency on the final day (Friday) of the training, held in Tamale.
The training sought to equip participants comprising security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and civilians with knowledge on the nature, trends and drivers of violent extremism in West Africa and Ghana while critically analysing vulnerabilities in the northern part of the country.
It was organised under the Prevention of Violent Extremism Through Social Accountability (PoVETSA II) project, which is being implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the National Peace Council and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre with funding support from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Superintendent of Police Mr Odartey Lamptey, Tamale, who was a participant, commended CRS for bringing together key security stakeholders on a common platform to deliberate on issues relating to violent extremism and community security.
He said the training had improved coordination among security institutions by clarifying their respective roles and responsibilities, making it easier for agencies to seek support from one another during incidents.
He explained that a better understanding of when and how to engage relevant stakeholders would enable security agencies to work more effectively and efficiently in responding to emerging security threats.
Superintendent David Essien of the Ghana Immigration Service, Tamale described the workshop as highly insightful and valuable for strengthening trust between security agencies and the communities they served especially in border areas.
He said the training deepened participants’ understanding of community engagement and would help security personnel perform their duties more effectively while supporting efforts to prevent violent extremism in border communities.
Hajia Lamnatu Adam, the Executive Director of Songtaba, described the workshop as an important learning and experience-sharing platform that brought together diverse actors working in the peace and security space.
She said the perspectives shared by security personnel, civil society organisations and media practitioners provided useful insights that would inform future programme design, stakeholder engagement and communication strategies on preventing violent extremism.
She expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the workshop would guide her organisation’s interventions and strengthen its contribution to peacebuilding efforts.
Ms Faaliha Fuseini, a civilian, said the training helped transform her perception of security personnel and increased her confidence in engaging with them.
She said: “I now feel comfortable approaching security officers, discussing concerns and working together to find solutions to problems.”
Mr Asubonteng Derick, another civilian, said the training had improved his awareness and vigilance in everyday life.
He said he had also become more attentive to the presence of new people within his community; a development he believed would help him stay informed and alert to unfamiliar situations that could pose security concerns.
Ms Adelaide Yiriyelleh, the Project Manager, PoVETSA II Project, said the training course was developed following a stakeholder dialogue on civil-military cooperation held a month earlier.
She said similar training would be organised for stakeholders in other regions in the northern part of the country to strengthen collaboration and community resilience against violent extremism.
The PoVETSA II Project seeks to promote social accountability, strengthen civil-security relations and enhance community participation in efforts to prevent violent extremism and safeguard peace and security in northern Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Albert Futukpor