By Ernest Nutsugah, GNA
Accra, Oct. 28, GNA – Commissioner of Police (COP) Osman Abdul-Rahman, National Security Coordinator, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and citizens to address the threat of violent extremism and terrorism in Ghana and beyond.
He said stakeholders must promote social cohesion, religious tolerance, interfaith dialogue and community-based peacebuilding while the Government and security agencies continued to work with international and regional organisations to counter extremism.
He was speaking at a National Dialogue on Civil-Security Engagement in Preventing Violent Extremism, convened by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with the National Security Council Secretariat and the National Peace Council, with funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The forum brought together about 60 participants from government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, diplomatic missions, development partners, academia, and traditional and religious institutions to discuss ways to strengthen preventive efforts.
COP Abdul-Rahman said violent extremism continued to evolve, with extremists exploiting vulnerabilities such as socioeconomic challenges, marginalisation, human rights violations, poor governance and unresolved conflicts.
He called for proactive measures by state and non-state actors to strengthen early warning systems and safeguard national peace and stability.
“A resilient Ghana is one that rises above the challenge that the threat of violent extremism poses…,” he said.
“One whose institutions can withstand the impact of shocks and stresses, and be able to quickly return to stability… and one that is able to mobilise its material and human resources to fight terrorism and violent extremism so that our people can enjoy their daily activities in peace,” he said.
COP Abdul-Rahman said the National Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre continued to engage stakeholders on radicalisation and violent extremism, with a focus on citizens in border towns and communities.
He added that the national framework for preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism was being reviewed, while security agencies promoted dialogue and public awareness to strengthen community-based early warning systems.
“Ghana’s vibrant democracy is our greatest asset and our strongest shield against extremism, but democracy does not defend itself; peace is never self-sustaining… it must be guarded, nurtured and renewed every day,” COP Abdul-Rahman said.
He pledged support for civil society initiatives and expressed confidence that the dialogue would promote a coordinated and timely response to the threat of violent extremism.
The Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Chairman of the National Peace Council, said inclusion and social cohesion should be central to efforts to prevent violent extremism, urging stakeholders to strengthen existing partnerships.
He called for collaboration with youth leaders, religious figures and professionals to develop compelling narratives that challenged extremist ideologies.
“…By shifting the focus towards good governance, civil rights and immigrant integration, these strategic alliances build resilient environments where extremist propaganda cannot take root,” he said.
Most Rev. Fianu urged the Government and industry leaders to adopt innovative approaches to job creation to make young people more productive and less vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.
He also stressed the need to build mutual trust between civilians and security agencies, adding that grievances exploited by radical groups must be addressed.
He called for the empowerment of law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and community partners to identify and support vulnerable individuals at risk of radicalisation.
Mr Hans Akerboom, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ghana, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting locally led peacebuilding and prevention efforts.
“Lasting peace must be built locally; the people who face these challenges every day must also be part of finding the solutions,” he said, urging participants to agree on practical measures to prevent violent extremism.
Madam Abena Amedomey, Country Representative of CRS Ghana, called for collective action to safeguard Ghana’s peace.
She said CRS and its partners had engaged more than 1,000 stakeholders across northern Ghana through the Prevention of Violent Extremism.
It was also through Social Accountability (PoVETSA II) Project, equipping community leaders, young people, civil society organisations and security personnel with practical tools to strengthen collaboration and resilience against violent extremism.
Recommendations from the dialogue are expected to inform policy, programming and practice at national and local levels, with a focus on stronger collaboration, early action and community participation in preventing violent extremism.
CRS is the official international humanitarian and development agency of the Catholic community in the United States, serving people in need in more than 100 countries.
In collaboration with the Government of Ghana, the Catholic Church, civil society and private-sector partners, CRS implements programmes to strengthen health systems, improve water and sanitation, support agriculture, promote justice and peacebuilding, and enhance community resilience.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe