By Elizabeth Abban
Kumbungu, Nov 12, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged some youth groups in the Kumbungu District as part of efforts towards preventing and containing violent extremism in the area.
The event, which took place at Kumbungu, was to strengthen the youth’s commitment to peace, tolerance, and social cohesion in the district and beyond, especially in the run up to this year’s general election.
It formed part of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) project implemented by the NCCE with funding from the European Union.
Miss Janet Ameseya, Kumbungu District Director of NCCE, speaking during the event, emphasised the urgent need to strengthen commitment to peace, tolerance, and social cohesion particularly as the elections drew closer.
She said violent extremism posed significant threat, not only globally but also within local communities, where young people were often targeted by extremist groups seeking to exploit their desire for identity, purpose, and belonging.”
She said, “These vibrant and talented individuals are being swayed by misinformation, online radicalisation and manipulation, which can lead them down harmful paths that undermine our social fabric.”
Superintendent Mr David Nyuah, Kumbungu District Police Commander, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of youth in drug abuse, saying “A lot of youth are getting themselves into drugs, which is very bad.”
He urged the youth to put an end to the practice, urging them to educate one another on the dangers of violent extremism and to report any suspicious activities to authorities in charge.
He emphasised that “If you suspect anyone involved in extremist activities, please report to the Police immediately.”
Reverend Joseph Sackey, Parish Priest of Saint Theresah of the Child Jesus and Director of the Department of Pastoral and Social Communication of the Catholic Church in Tamale, emphasised the importance of promoting peace and unity in communities.
He encouraged participants to focus on love and forgiveness rather than criticism to foster a peaceful environment.
He urged the youth to “let love lead, pray for the spirit of forgiveness, and do things to promote peace” while refraining from criticising one another.
Mr Tahidu Musa, a participant, identified lack of political will to address youth problems, loss of trust in security services, and poverty as some of the factors that could force the youth to join extremist groups.
He lauded the event and said it was very educative and helpful to the youth, expressing hope that it would help elevate and change the attitude of the youth with regard to violent extremism.
GNA