Source: GNA

Kasoongo (U/E),Dec. 23, GNA — The Upper East Regional Office of the National Peace Council (NPC) has organised a one-day community forum at Kansogo in the Bawku West District to strengthen trust and cooperation between security agencies and border communities as part of efforts to prevent violent extremism.

The forum, held under the theme, “Building Trust between Security Agencies and Border Communities through Community Forums,” brought together participants from various segments of  the community, including youth, women, traditional and religious leaders, traders, persons with disability, and minority groups such as the Fulbe.

The forum formed part of the Atlantic Corridor Project, with funding support from the Embassy of Denmark through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at building resilience in at-risk border communities against the spillover of violent extremism.

Mr Damien Asobayire, the Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, addressing participants, said communities along Ghana’s borders with Burkina Faso and Togo maintained strong social and economic relations that were beneficial but also came with security risks.

He said the growing threat of violent extremism in the sub-region, coupled with low security awareness, strained relations between community members and security agencies, unapproved routes, and inadequate logistical and human resources for border management, underscored the need for stronger community involvement in security matters.

Mr Asobayire stressed that community buy-in was essential to effective border security and conflict prevention, noting that trust and collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies were critical to early warning and rapid response systems.

“The forum provides a platform for communities and security agencies to engage openly, clear misconceptions, and build mutual trust towards safeguarding our border communities,” he said.

Dr Edward Ampratwum, Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), explained that the engagement was informed by perceptions of a trust deficit between the youth and law enforcement agencies, arising from past incidents of poor communication, limited engagement, and perceived heavy-handedness.

He called on both the security agencies and residents of the border communities to work together to prevent violent extremism and propel development.

Mr David Atualing Angaamba, Principal programs manager at Upper East Regional Peace Council who made a presentation on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE), underscored the need for a whole-of-society approach and the responsibility of community members in information sharing and early response to security threats.

Chief Inspector Tonka Apam, Station Officer at the Zebilla Police Command, said communities had a key role to play in crime prevention and detection, maintenance of law and order, and the protection of life and property.

He urged residents to collaborate closely with the police by providing timely and credible information to help prevent crime and violence.

Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Courage Gblonyah, Deputy Staff Officer at the Zebila office of the Ghana Immigration Service, highlighted the role of border communities in monitoring the entry and exit of foreigners, as well as detecting and reporting threats at entry points, including unapproved routes.

The forum featured open discussions and a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to share concerns and propose practical ways to strengthen cooperation with security agencies.

Naba Abeliwini Akayaug, the Chief of Kabougo community, expressed confidence that the engagement would enhance trust, improve collaboration, and contribute to reduced crime, improved security, and stronger resilience against violent extremism in border communities of the Upper East Region.

GNA