Trust and collaboration are key to preventing violent extremism – NPC Chairman

Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Chairman of the National Peace Council, has emphasized the necessity for a collective national approach, encompassing security forces, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, families, and local communities, to combat violent extremism. He stressed that peace and security cannot be achieved merely through enforcement, but rather by tackling the social and economic factors that render communities susceptible to extremist ideologies.

During a National Dialogue in Accra, Fianu highlighted inclusive governance, job creation for the youth, community trust, and robust early warning systems as crucial components of prevention. He also stressed the significance of fostering better relationships between civilians and security personnel, arguing that cooperation and trust between these groups can enable communities to detect and address threats before they worsen.

The National Peace Council has been collaborating with Catholic Relief Services (CRS Ghana) since 2023, backed by the Government of the Netherlands, to foster trust and cooperation between communities and security agencies. The dialogue on preventing violent extremism was held under the Prevention of Violent Extremism Through Social Accountability (PoVETSA) Project, executed by CRS with funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Fianu further urged all parties involved in the Bawku conflict and other disputes to resolve their differences through peaceful and democratic channels, stressing that enduring peace necessitates dedication and joint responsibility from all societal strata.