Naaga: Security agencies have called on residents of border communities to volunteer timely and credible information to help prevent crime and counter the growing threat of violent extremism. The security agencies included the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Bureau of National Intelligence, National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Narcotics Control Commission.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call was made during a Civilian-Security Dialogue organised by the National Peace Council for over 100 residents of Naaga and surrounding communities in the Kassena Nankana Municipality. The engagement was part of the Atlantic Corridor Project dubbed: 'Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in the Atlantic Corridor,' funded by the governments of Denmark and Norway through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr Daniel Anane Amoah, the Navrongo Divisional Police Commander, emphasized the importance of information in preventing and combating crime, noting that civilians are often in the best position to provide valuable information to security agencies due to their constant interaction within their communities. He urged residents to report activities that could threaten peace rather than remain silent.
Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Mr Jerry Attipoe, the Municipal Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, highlighted the challenges of inadequate personnel and the porous nature of the country's borders, stressing the need for civilian participation in preventing extremist activities. He pointed to the security concerns arising from violent extremist attacks in neighboring countries as a pressing issue for Ghana's border communities.
Mr Victor Ame-Abo Akanbonga, Upper East Regional Programmes Officer of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), discussed how the availability of illicit firearms fuels violent extremism, emphasizing the role of civilian-provided information in combating these networks. He called on civilians to assist in investigations by volunteering information.
Mr Marshal Abuchow, Upper East Regional Deputy Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), drew a connection between drug abuse and violent extremism, urging residents to avoid substance abuse and support efforts to address drug-related activities.
Mr Damien Asobayire, Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, explained that the dialogue aimed to build trust and strengthen interactions between communities and security agencies. He noted the importance of creating a platform for face-to-face interactions to help residents understand their role in preventing violent extremism and allow security agencies to better appreciate community concerns.