The National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has a national dialogue with some key stakeholders on the fight against violent extremism and terrorism.
The event which came off at the Alisa Hotel, saw the various stakeholders taking turns to share key factors which contribute to violent extremism and terrorism as well as ways to curbing the menace.
Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu revealed that Ghana has not prepared enough to deal with violent extremism and terrorism.
He stressed that until the country becomes united, it can never deal with the worrying menace.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu charged the NCCE to intensify its education on violence stressing that will help rescind the ideas of persons who are willing to offer themselves to terrorist groups to be used for dangerous missions.
On her part, Deputy Programme Head/Conflict Management Programme at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Afua Lamptey told the gathering that about one billion weapons are in the hands of persons living in the world.
Expressing worry, she revealed that most of the weapons are in the hands of persons noted for deviant behaviours.
She stressed that although worrying, she is confident that a united front will help prevent and contain violent extremism from entering Ghana.
Madam Lamptey added that Ghana is surrounded by country who are suffering from the activities of terrorists.
She hinted that the various security agencies have to beef up in order to contain and prevent violent extremism from penetrative into the Northernmost border communities in Ghana.
Taking his turn, Director, NCCRM, Col. Joseph K. Merdiemah assured that the various security agencies have intensified measures at safeguarding the country.
Executive Secretary, Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose commended the NCCE for organic the national dialogue.
He added that the Christian Council through evangelism has been preaching against violence.
He was optimistic that the course will yield a good result.
Team Leader, COGINTA- Ghana, Rev. Fr. Clement Aapengnuo expressed worry over how violence has destroyed some countries.
He pleaded with the youths not to avail themselves to these terrorists.
Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana, Dr. Afua Yakohene noted that the prevention and containing of violence was a shared responsibility.
Director, National Counter Terrorism and Fusion Centre of Ministry of National Security, Col. Tim Ba- Taa-Banah (Ph.D), entreated the general public to make good use of the 'see something, say something' campaign.
He added that further education will help the public share relevant information to the security agencies.
Head of EU Delegation to Ghana, Ambassador Irchad Razaaly thanked the NCCE for its continuous partnership and was confident that views shared will help prevent and contain violent extremism and terrorism in the Northernmost border communities in Ghana.
Chairman, NCCE, Kathleen Addy charged the media to be circumspect in its reportage.
She stressed a fair and truthful reportage will save a nation and lives from attacks from terrorists.
About NCCE
It sets to promote and sustain Ghana's democracy and inculcate in the Ghanaian citizenry, the awareness of their rights and obligations through civic education.
NCCE's vision is to be an effective independent governance institution delivering civic education to all Ghanaians and working towards sustaining Ghana's democracy.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith