The Upper East Regional Peace Council has organised a two-day training workshop for cross border traders at Fumbisi in the Builsa South District as part of efforts to prevent the spillover of activities of violent extremists.
Over 60 participants, including market women, hairdressers, tailors, drivers, and spare parts dealers, were taken through how they could prevent violent extremism, guard themselves against radicalisation, and mitigate the impact of violent extremism on their economic activities.
The training was on the theme, Preventing Violent Extremism for women and youth and formed part of the Atlantic Corridor Project, being implemented by the Upper East Regional Peace Council in Builsa South, Bawku West, Kassena Nankana West Districts, and the Kassena Nankana Municipality.
It aimed at building the capacity of women and youth to recognise and counteract extremists’ propaganda and recruitment tactics, resist exploitation by extremists, and protect their communities and businesses from being co-opted.
The training also focused on empowering them to better advocate peace and stability, serve as role models in resisting extremist ideologies and foster a proactive and informed approach to combating violent extremism, contributing to broader efforts at peace- building and community safety.
It is being sponsored by the governments of Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Australia through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Mr David Angaamba, the Principal programme Manager of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, said the violent extremists may employ economic activities for their agenda, and educating the women would position the traders better to detect and resist such exploitations.
He said cross-border trade regions were vulnerable to extremist recruitment and radicalisation due to the economic instability faced by vulnerable populations, including women and youth, and underscored the need for their capacity to be built.
Mr Angaamba urged the participants to build resilience against extremist influence, having been equipped for a safer and more prosperous trading environment.
Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO II), Avoti Imoro Joyce, at the Paga sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), reiterated that the fight against violent extremism would be defeated if women lost guard and urged them to intensify the campaign for peace in their communities.
Mrs Rebecca Ankobil, a trader and guest house manager, said the training offered was beneficial as it had given her a sense of self-security and positioned her better to be vigilant in spotting suspicious characters.
“Initially, we did not realise the importance of verifying guests’ identities at our guest house, but we have now learnt that it’s crucial to confirm their identity and monitor their activities if they appear suspicious, and we are going to be vigilant on this for our safety and that of our community”.
Madam Bertha Ajavuuk, a hairdresser, indicated the workshop had not only educated her about the activities of violent extremists but also instilled in her a deep commitment to peace and expressed her dedication to promote harmony in her workplace and within her community.
Source: GNA
