NCCE engages Kumbungu youth groups on violent extremism

By Elizabeth Abban

Kumbungu, Nov 12, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged some youth groups in Kumbungu district as part of efforts to prevent and curb violent extremism in the area.

The event, which took place in 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 elections.

It was part of the Preventing and Combating Violent Extremism (PCVE) project implemented by NCCE with funding from the European Union.

Miss Janet Ameseya, the Kumbungu District Director of the NCCE, speaking during the event, stressed the urgent need to strengthen commitment to peace, tolerance and social cohesion, especially as elections approach.

She said violent extremism was a 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 influenced by misinformation, online radicalization and manipulation, which can lead them down harmful paths that undermine our social fabric.”

Superintendent David Nyuah, the Kumbungu District Police Commander, expressed concern over the growing involvement of youths in drug abuse, saying “Many youths are taking drugs, which is very bad.”

He urged the youth to end the practice, urging them to educate each other about the dangers of violent extremism and report any suspicious activities to the responsible authorities.

He stressed that “If you suspect anyone involved in extremist activities, please report it to the Police immediately.”

Reverend Joseph Sackey, Parish Priest of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus and Director of the Pastoral and Social Communication Department of the Catholic Church in Tamale, emphasized the importance of promoting peace and unity in communities.

He encouraged participants to focus on love and forgiveness rather than criticism to promote a peaceful environment.

He urged the youth to “let love rule, pray for the spirit of forgiveness and do things to promote peace” while not criticizing each other.

Mr. Tahidu Musa, a participant, identified lack of political will to address youth issues, loss of confidence in security services and poverty as some of the factors that could force youths to join extremist groups.

He praised the event and said it was very educational and useful for the youth, expressing hope that it would help uplift and change the attitude of the youth towards violent extremism.

GNA