By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog

Garu (UE), April 23,  – The Center for Democratic Development-Ghana (CDD-Ghana), in collaboration with RISE Ghana and the National Youth Authority (NYA), has mobilized young people in Garu for a special parliamentary-style debate aimed at raising awareness and stimulating action against violent extremism.

The debate, organized under the theme: “Youth participation as an effective tool in preventing violent extremism: the role of the youth in picking signals for effective engagement with relevant authorities for action,” brought together 45 participants including District Youth Parliamentarians, Youth Chiefs, Religious Youth Leaders, among others.

The initiative seeks to strengthen Youth Parliamentary chapters and promote collaboration between youth, community leaders, and local government authorities to address growing threats of insecurity and violent extremism.

It formed part of the broader project titled “Enhancing Social Cohesion and Social Contract, through the Empowerment of Women and Youth in Three Northern Regions of Ghana,” supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Mr. Mohammed Awal, Research Manager at CDD-Ghana and coordinator of the project, indicated that the project also sought to prevent and address the root causes of localized and spillover conflicts and vulnerabilities to violent extremism in northern Ghana.

He emphasised that by engaging the youth in promoting peace and detecting early signs of radicalization, it would enable them not only to observe parliamentary processes but also to contribute directly to discussions on safety and national development.

Mr Francis Takyi-Koranteng,  the Upper East Regional Director of the NYA, noted that extremist groups often target young people, making it crucial for them to understand the tactics and consequences of radical influence.

He urged the participants to use their voices and knowledge to educate others and resist being exploited for violence, adding that both youth and women were often victims and, in some cases, perpetrators of violence, and stressed the need for greater awareness and responsibility.

Mr. Alhassan Fuseini, Human Resource Manager at the Garu District Assembly, commended CDD-Ghana and its partners for the initiative, calling it timely and strategic in promoting youth empowerment and peaceful coexistence.

He encouraged the youth to take what they had learned and become advocates for peace within their communities.

The project is being implemented in Garu, Bawku West, and Bongo in the Upper East Region.