While financial resources are undeniably significant, they should not be considered the ultimate objective in life. It is crucial that young individuals are not enticed by monetary incentives to become radicalized or engage in extremist activities. Instead, they should be encouraged to pursue more meaningful and constructive endeavors.
“The youth are strong and capable of performing tasks expected by extremists. We must inform them that these individuals are deceiving them into harming their own brothers and sisters for money, which is not the right path. Money is not everything,” said the Chief of Natugnia, Naba Anambono Ayamga.
He emphasized the importance of educating the youth to resist attempts to manipulate their conscience and to report such attempts to the authorities. This statement was made on the sidelines of a training session for traditional and religious leaders aimed at promoting the prevention of violent extremism.
According to Naba Ayamga, the training organized by the Upper East Regional Peace Council is timely. He, along with other chiefs, plans to visit their respective communities to hold durbars and engage residents on the importance of maintaining peace.
Clement Atudipare, the representative of the Chief of Manyoro, also spoke to the media, stating that the training has served as a crucial reminder that “we must be our own watchdogs, protecting our communities, properties, and lives.”
He added that the responsibility for community protection does not solely lie with traditional leaders and security agencies but also with the residents. As such, a community durbar is planned to help everyone recognize the signs of extremism and identify suspicious individuals.
The workshop was sponsored by the governments of Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Australia through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Approximately 50 participants, including traditional and religious leaders, as well as women leaders from Doba, Natugnia, Navrongo, Pinda, and Manyoro, attended.
Meanwhile, when the Executive Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, Ali Anankpieng, spoke to the media, he highlighted that if traditional leaders are familiar with the contents of the Land Act, they would be better equipped to play vital roles in resolving land disputes. Furthermore, being informed about the concerns within the Sahel would better position them to support security agencies in managing Ghana’s risks.
“We decided that by bringing together chiefs and religious leaders and helping them understand issues related to land conflicts and violent extremism, they would be able to facilitate understanding and help reduce conflicts in their communities,” he said.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
