By Solomon Gumah
Tolon (N/R), Nov 08, GNA – The Tolon District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged some youth groups in the area, as part of efforts to promote patriotism and peaceful coexistence towards the upcoming elections.
The event was organised with funding support from the European Union and tailored towards preventing violence and radicalisation among the youth of the area before, during and after the elections.
It was also to ensure that the youth understood the negative consequences of joining violent extremist groups, as well as appreciate the legal framework that barred the activities of violent extremist and terrorist groups in the country.
Participants were drawn from youth groups in the area including Activista Ghana, Nasara Youth Association, community members and security agencies.
Topics treated focused on peaceful coexistence, triggers and effects of violent extremism among others.
Miss Hawawu Abdul-Rahman Hawawu, the Tolon District Director of NCCE, during the engagement, said it was to inculcate in the youth the spirit of patriotism, enhance awareness on their civic responsibility, inclusive values, social recognition and to invoke the sense of belonging to their own immediate community.
She said it was also to improve knowledge and attitude on the culture of tolerance and to enable them to act as ambassadors of peace in their communities.
She emphasised the collaborative role of community stakeholders in ensuring peace and spoke against misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media and advised the youth to always verify information before sharing it to avoid violence.
She cautioned the youth against divisive narratives and said they could fuel violent extremism in the area.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr Gladstone Kumeko, the Tolon District Police Commander educated participants on radicalisation, triggers, and effects of violent extremism, what to do during attacks, the need for peaceful coexistence and national cohesion amongst community members.
He admonished the youth not to shield suspected criminals and suspicious characters, emphasising the need for information from community members for prompt response.
He advised the youth to choose appropriate means to settle disputes including using the law courts, Police and the traditional authorities and not to take the law into their hands.
Dr Agyeman Osei, a Senior Lecturer at the University for Development Studies advised the youth not to allow ethnic and religious differences to divide them.
He commended the youth in the area for ensuring peaceful coexistence and urged them to continue to champion peace, especially in the upcoming general election.
GNA