Kansogo: Residents of Kansogo in the Bawku West District have been urged to question, counter, and verify information received through social media to prevent misinformation, hate speech, and violent extremist narratives from creating fear, division, and conflict in the community. Mr. David Angaamba, the Principal Programme Manager at the Upper East Regional office of the National Peace Council, emphasized that combating violent extremism requires the active participation of community members, as they are often the first to notice unusual activities and developments.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Angaamba highlighted that violent extremist groups could exploit social media platforms to spread messages aimed at influencing vulnerable people, particularly the youth, without necessarily having a physical presence in the community. Speaking at a community sensitization programme in Kansogo on preventing and responding to violent extremism, he explained that the activity was part of the third-quarter events of the Atlantic Corridor Project. This initiative aims to prevent and respond to violent extremism, with funding support from the Governments of Denmark and Norway through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The engagement followed the training of members of the Kansogo Local Peace Committee and aimed at extending knowledge on violent extremism, hate speech, and harmful online narratives to the wider community. Mr. Damien Asobayire, the Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of the Peace Council, stated that community members have an important role to play in the prevention of violent extremism by serving as early warning monitors. He urged residents to report suspicious activities rather than confronting suspected persons themselves, noting that timely information could help appropriate authorities respond before a situation escalates.
The sensitization attracted more than 200 residents, with 80 percent being women. Mr. Asobayire noted that the high participation of women demonstrated their crucial role in preventing the spread of harmful narratives within families and communities. He encouraged residents to verify information before sharing it, particularly messages capable of generating hatred, fear, or mistrust among individuals and groups. He also advised residents to be vigilant and report suspicious persons and activities to members of the Local Peace Committee or the appropriate security agencies rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Ms. Faustina Ndago, a participant, stated that the program had given women greater awareness of how false information and hate speech could create tensions in communities. She emphasized that women are often the most affected during conflicts, and the knowledge gained from the sensitization would help them to be vigilant and equip them to live peacefully with their families. Mr. Ayamga Musah, another participant, commended the Peace Council for the engagement, noting that his participation in the sensitization had made him realize that young people need to be particularly careful about information they encounter on social media and should verify such information before sharing it.