We need to engender police-community relations to fight crime, prevent violent extremism — NCCE to residents of Canteen

As mandated under Article 233(c) of the 1992 Constitution, the West Gonja Municipal office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) held a sensitization forum with residents of Canteen Electoral Area, a suburb of West Gonja Municipal in the Savannah Region.

The forum focused on violent extremism, counterterrorism, corruption, and crime prevention.

Addressing a large gathering of community members at the Sunflash Hall in Canteen, the West Gonja Municipal Director of NCCE, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of community engagement in fostering closer ties between civilians and the police. He noted that crime fighting is a shared and collaborative responsibility and urged citizens to take a keen interest in understanding the laws of the country. He encouraged active participation in the fight against violent extremism, counterterrorism, corruption, nepotism, and crime in general.

Mr. Ibrahim pointed out the need to address the lack of trust and finger-pointing between citizens and security agencies to help maintain law and order, which is crucial for economic activities.

Mr. Issahaku Zitor, the Savannah Regional Director of NCCE, urged community members to put aside their political, religious, ideological, and tribal differences and work together to counter violent extremism. He emphasized that the biggest enemies in society today include poverty, protracted chieftaincy disputes, farmer-cattle herder conflicts, and severe hardships. He stressed that violence is never the answer and that violent extremism is a pressing issue, citing examples from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria.

The West Gonja Municipal Commander of Police, ASP Mr. Charles Aniagyei, stated that the integrity of the police is crucial in building community trust, reducing tension, and countering violent extremism. He called for mutual understanding, partnership, and open communication to create a police service where everyone feels respected, valued, and accepted. He acknowledged that the actions of some unethical officers have damaged trust between the police and citizens and called for effective community support in crime combating through vigilantism and community watchdogs.

AEMT Gideon Antwi, the West Gonja Municipal Manager of the National Ambulance Service, assured the availability of security officers to partner with communities in the fight against violent extremism.

Chiefs and opinion leaders of Canteen lauded the NCCE for the timely engagement and used the opportunity to ask relevant questions and seek clarifications on various community concerns.