Navrongo: The Upper East Regional office of the National Peace Council has sensitised Nursing students of the Navrongo Community Health Nursing College on information disorder, violent extremism, and hate speech, to guard themselves against acts of violent extremists.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement was held under the Atlantic Corridor Project with funding support by the Norwegian Embassy through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative aimed at equipping students with knowledge and practical tools to resist radicalisation and contribute to early warning and response systems. It also provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing students to share concerns and explore constructive ways of addressing grievances without resorting to violence.
Mr Damien Asobayire, the Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, highlighted that the initiative sought to expose students to the tactics used by violent extremist groups to recruit and manipulate young people. He explained that extremists often exploited vulnerabilities, misinformation, and personal struggles to lure individuals, stressing the need for vigilance among the youth.
Mr Asobayire noted that the active participation of students, including asking critical and sensitive questions, demonstrated the impact of the engagement. He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would not only benefit the students individually but also their communities. He reiterated the commitment of the National Peace Council, established under Act 818 of 2011, to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts to sustain national peace.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Asalima A. Richard, Second-in-Command at the Ghana Immigration Service in Navrongo, urged the students to support national security efforts by reporting suspicious activities. He emphasized the collective responsibility required to safeguard the country and encouraged the students to adopt the 'see something, say something' approach.
SNDO Asiha Roland of the Paga Command of the Narcotics Control Commission linked drug abuse to violent extremism, noting that extremist groups often exploit drug networks to facilitate their activities and recruit vulnerable individuals. He urged the students to avoid engaging in illicit drugs and focus on shaping their future.
Mr Victor Abo-Ame Akanbonga, the Upper East Regional Programmes Officer of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, cautioned the students against engaging in illicit activities online, including accessing dangerous platforms where illegal weapons and materials were traded. He advised them to focus on their studies and pursue legitimate opportunities, stressing that education remained a key pathway to personal and national development.
Mr Kombian Bisianin, Vice Principal of the College, expressed appreciation to the organisers, stating that the programme had significantly broadened the students' understanding of conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence. He noted that the engagement would influence how students manage conflicts and live harmoniously with others, adding that the school looked forward to more such initiatives.
The programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community resilience and prevent the spread of violent extremism in vulnerable regions across the country.