The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has identified the youth as vulnerable and usually targeted for violent and terrorist activities aimed at destabilizing the country and causing destruction to human lives and property.
It observed that the Ghana was under serious threats with regards to the activities of terrorism and violent extremism and there was the urgent need for the country to be wary and take pragmatic measures to protect the youth from fall victims.
Mr Pontius Pilate Baba Apaabey, the Upper East Regional Director of the NCCE, who made the call at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District of the Upper East Region, appealed to the youth to inculcate in themselves the spirit of nationalism and patriotism and resist any attempt to recruit them to cause mayhem.
The Regional Director was speaking to youth leaders in the area during youth engagement forum organized by the Bolgatanga East District Directorate of the NCCE.
The programme which is being sponsored by the European Union (EU) is on Preventing Electoral Violence and Providing Security to the Northern Border Regions of Ghana (NORPREVSEC).
Mr Apaabey noted that tolerance and respect for each other’s views were key ingredients to fostering peace and unity and urged the youth to channel their youth resources into engaging in productive ventures.
The Regional Director stated that the violent extremists and terrorist groups usually exploit the unemployment situation of the youth and therefore encouraged the youth to safeguard themselves against such deceits and work towards ensuring peaceful coexistence for sustainable development.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr Charles Simpa, the Bolgatanga East District Police Commander, noted terrorist activities in neighbouring countries were being carried out by the youth and noted that the situation was a bane on democratic governance.
He encouraged landlords to do diligent background checks on strangers before giving their houses or rooms out for rent as foreigners were in the country to influence the youth to engage in destructive activities.
He appealed to communities to see security issues as shared responsibility and assist the security agencies especially the police with relevant information to help them combat crime effectively to protect lives and properties.
Reverend Father Gabriel Atidoo, the Parish Priest of St Martin De Pores Catholic Church in the Bolgatanga East District advised the youth to see each other as one and try to engage in activities that do bring harm to humanity.
Ms Sadia Sampanah, the Bolgatanga East District Director of the NCCE, indicated that Commission was committed to create community awareness especially among the youth on the early signals of violent extremists and how to build peace for sustainable development.
“I equally appeal to the youth to also employ local mechanisms of maintaining peaceful coexistence among communities and ethnic groups,” added.
The Commission is engaging the youth to equip with relevant information on violent extremism and radicalism to prevent them from being recruited to perpetuate violence, thereby fighting transitional organized crimes and promoting respect for human rights and rule of law.
Source: GNA
