NCCE facilitates police, community engagement in Sene East

The Sene East office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) recently facilitated a police-community engagement in Kajaji, the district capital, as part of the Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism program funded by the European Union.

In his welcome address, Acting District Director of the NCCE, Mr. David Kumogsua Dubong, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about extremist threats, especially given the rise in extremist activities in neighboring countries and the upcoming elections in December.

District Police Commander Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Francis Ampofo highlighted the destabilizing impact of extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, who have been responsible for abductions and killings in regions such as Mali, Chad, and Burkina Faso. He noted that the tense conditions often associated with elections could create an environment conducive to the infiltration of these groups.

ASP Ampofo stressed the importance of collaboration between the community and security agencies to prevent potential insurgent activities. He encouraged the formation of neighborhood watch committees and assured residents that the identity of those who provided information to the police would be protected.

Bono East Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr. Joseph Kwaku Yeboah, who chaired the event, explained that militants are increasingly using a 'soft approach' by engaging and recruiting vulnerable youth. He urged community members to report any suspicious individuals to the appropriate authorities.

The engagement included an open forum where the police commander and the regional NCCE boss addressed participants' concerns. Attendees included members of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, the Local Council of Churches, a representative of the Chief Imam, people living with disabilities, and various youth and trade groups.