The National Peace Council (NPC) is strengthening collaboration between security agencies and communities in the fight against Violent Extremism (VE) through a series of civilian-security dialogues in the Upper East Region.
The dialogues formed part of the Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism Initiative under the Atlantic Corridor Project, funded by the Embassies of Denmark and Norway through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking at the engagements, Upper East Regional Principal Programmes Manager of the National Peace Council, Mr David Atualing Angaamba, said the initiative is to help build stronger collaboration between civilians and security agencies while promoting community participation in safeguarding peace and security.
According to him, the dialogues were designed to educate residents on the roles of various security institutions and the complementary role citizens must play in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
“The primary aim is to strengthen the relationship between security agencies and community members to facilitate easy information sharing and prevent violent extremism,” he stated.
Mr Angaamba noted that the beneficiary communities, like many others in the district, are known for their hospitality towards visitors.
However, he stressed that changing security dynamics require residents to remain vigilant, especially during the farming season when migrants and other visitors arrive from different parts of the country and beyond.
He urged community members to strike a balance between maintaining their culture of hospitality and taking proactive measures to safeguard their communities.
The Deputy Upper East Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, Mr Marshal Abuchow, observed that the use of illicit drugs, which often fuels activities associated with violent extremism, was increasing among the youth.
He encouraged young people to stay away from drug abuse and explained that current legislation increasingly treats drug addiction as a public health issue rather than solely a criminal offence.
“We do not see these people as criminals. If you have a relative or friend who is addicted to drugs, you can contact the Narcotics Control Commission, and we will direct you to appropriate rehabilitation services,” he said.
Mr Victor Abo-Ame Akanbonga, Upper East Regional Programme Officer of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, cautioned residents against possessing unregistered firearms.
He warned that individuals found with illicit weapons could face severe sanctions, including imprisonment, and urged the public to comply with all legal procedures governing firearm ownership.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Jerry Kwadzo Attipoe, Officer in Charge of the Navrongo Office of the Paga Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service, emphasised that security is a shared responsibility.
He encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate security agencies to help maintain peace and stability in their communities.
Community leaders and participants commended the initiative for raising awareness about security concerns and the role citizens can play in preventing violent extremism.
The engagements, held in Wiesi and Bachonsa in the Builsa South District and Kadema in the Builsa North Municipality, brought together more than 300 community members and security personnel to discuss ways of improving information sharing, strengthening community vigilance, and preventing violent extremism and other security threats.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
