Be vigilant and report suspicious characters to security agencies – Peace Council

The National Peace Council has urged residents of Naaga in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality to stay vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the relevant security agencies, in order to prevent violent extremist groups from establishing a presence in the area. Mr. Damien Asobayire, the Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, highlighted that extremist groups were increasingly leveraging online platforms to disseminate extremist ideologies, hate speech, and misleading information, aiming to influence and sway community sentiments.

He emphasized that the threat of violent extremism extends beyond the physical presence of such groups, as their messages can easily infiltrate communities through social media and other digital channels. This warning comes as part of a community outreach program under the third-quarter activities of the Atlantic Corridor Project, titled "Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism," supported by Denmark and Norway via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Naaga was selected as one of the communities needing awareness on violent extremist narratives and hate speech due to its perceived susceptibility. The sensitisation initiative followed the training of members of the Naaga Local Peace Committee, aimed at fostering better communication between the committee, residents, and security agencies, and to establish early warning systems.

Asobayire called upon residents to act as vigilant monitors by promptly reporting any aberrant behavior to the Local Peace Committee and the appropriate authorities. He also warned residents to be aware of factors and potential conflict triggers that may leave their communities vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups. These groups often capitalize on existing grievances and social tensions, using online platforms to propagate hateful narratives designed to deepen divisions within communities.

In attending the event, 115 participants joined the program, which was designed for 100, with a notable representation of women and youth. Attendees were educated on the identification of online extremist narratives, hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, alongside practical steps to recognize and report suspicious activities.

Ms. Teni Ayarika, one of the participants, expressed her gratitude to the Peace Council for providing crucial insights on how extremist ideologies can infiltrate younger demographics through social media, stressing the importance of verifying information before dissemination. "The training has been incredibly beneficial as it has illuminated the ways in which extremist messages can sway public opinion and how susceptible young individuals might be recruited by extremist networks via the internet," Ayarika remarked.

Madam Afia Nchor, another participant, noted that the sensitization had shifted the community's mindset towards vigilance, praising the National Peace Council's efforts in fostering peace within the region.