Peace Council sensitises Binaba residents on online violent extremist narratives

The National Peace Council (NPC) recently held a sensitisation session in Binaba, Bawku West District, targeting residents on the risks associated with online violent extremist narratives, hate speech, and fraudulent job offers. This initiative is part of the Atlantic Corridor Project's third quarter activities, funded by Denmark and Norway through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The program also involved training the Local Peace Committee (LPC) in Binaba, aimed at equipping the community with the ability to identify, prevent, and respond to potential threats to peace and security. NPC's Upper East Regional Executive Secretary, Mr Damien Asobayire, emphasized the importance of educating community members about the dangers of online extremist propaganda and how to report suspicious activities through established channels.

Mr Asobayire urged residents to collaborate with Local Peace Committees by acting as vigilant monitors and sharing information on dubious activities with appropriate authorities for timely intervention. Despite Ghana not experiencing major violent extremist attacks, NPC's Principal Programme Manager, Mr David Atualing Angaamba, highlighted the growing issue of young people being radicalized and recruited into extremist groups across the sub-region, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes.

He advised the youth to remain cautious while evaluating online information, especially attractive job, travel, and financial opportunities.

Attendees of the sensitisation session, including Ms Fidelia Abariga and Ms Vida Amefo, shared personal experiences of being approached with seemingly lucrative offers, leading to disappearances of young people from the community. Ms Amefo stressed the importance of sharing the knowledge gained to foster vigilance and reduce vulnerability to online manipulation.

Pastor Reverend Issaka Ayande, a local church leader, praised the NPC for the sensitisation and called for ongoing community education to strengthen resilience against extremism and promote responsible social media usage.