Politics & Policy

    Peace Council warns Binaba residents on online extremism

    National Peace Council educates community on dangers of online violent narratives and fraudulent job offers targeting youth.

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    The National Peace Council (NPC) has educated residents of Binaba in the Bawku West District on the dangers of online violent extremist narratives. This initiative also covered hate speech and fraudulent job offers used to lure young people into extremist networks. The sensitisation aims to equip community members with the knowledge to identify and report suspicious online content. This programme is part of the third quarter activities under the Atlantic Corridor Project. This project seeks to prevent and respond to violent extremism in communities along the Atlantic Corridor. It receives funding support from the Governments of Denmark and Norway through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The sensitisation followed training for the Local Peace Committee (LPC) established in Binaba. The LPC helps the community identify, prevent, and respond to emerging threats to peace and security. This local involvement is crucial for effective community-level intervention. Mr. Damien Asobayire, the Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of the NPC, stated the importance of this sensitisation. He explained that community members need skills to identify suspicious online narratives. They must also know how to report them through established community structures. Violent extremist groups increasingly use social media and other digital platforms. They spread misleading information, hate speech, and narratives that exploit the frustrations of young people. Mr. Asobayire emphasised that community members need this knowledge to prevent violent extremist activities. Mr. David Atualing Angaamba, Principal Programme Manager at the NPC, highlighted a critical concern. Ghana has not suffered a major violent extremist attack, but many young people have been radicalised. They have been recruited into extremist groups in the sub-region, with some losing their lives. Mr. Angaamba urged the youth to be vigilant. They must critically assess information received online, especially attractive offers. These include employment, travel opportunities, and financial rewards, which are often deceptive. Ms. Fidelia Abariga, a participant, shared a personal experience. She recounted how individuals offered young women opportunities to travel to Saudi Arabia for employment. Some went, and their whereabouts remain unknown, causing distress to their families. Ms. Vida Amefo, another participant, noted the programme broadened her understanding of social media's effects. She learned how social media can spread misinformation and facilitate recruitment. Ms. Amefo pledged to share this knowledge with her family and community. Reverend Issaka Ayande, a Pastor of the Assemblies of God Church, commended the NPC. He urged residents to take the lessons seriously. Continuous community education is necessary to strengthen vigilance and promote responsible social media use. This prevents individuals, especially youth, from falling prey to propaganda and fraudulent schemes. This ongoing effort by the NPC reflects Ghana's proactive stance against regional security threats. The focus on community-level education and local peace committees is a key strategy. It aims to build resilience against external influences that could destabilise peace. The collaboration with international partners like Denmark, Norway, and UNDP underscores the global nature of this challenge. It also highlights the importance of coordinated responses.

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