The Social Initiative for Literacy and Development Program (SILDEP) has organized a media engagement session in Wa on Thursday to discuss the Strengthening Cohesion in Upper West (SCUW) project, a component of the broader Security in Northern Ghana (SING) program spearheaded by Star Ghana Foundation.
The project, funded by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), aims to enhance peace and security in the Upper West Region through community policing, inter-ethnic dialogues, and early warning and response mechanisms.
Mr. Moses Luri, Chief Executive Officer of SILDEP, emphasized the media's crucial role in disseminating accurate and timely information to foster unity and resilience amidst rising threats of violent extremism.
"The media serves as the fourth estate and is indispensable in setting agendas, avoiding fear and misinformation, and promoting inclusivity. Together, we can combat the threats of terrorism and build a peaceful society," he said.
Mr Luri underscored the need for community collaboration, adding that cohesion starts with understanding key concepts such as citizenship, inclusivity, and belonging.
He called on stakeholders to champion unity across differences, stating, “Whether we identify as citizens, natives, settlers, or strangers, we all share a stake in the peace and progress of our region, our communities, and our neighbourhoods.”
“It is the business of all stakeholders to ensure peace, security, and cohesion in our region, district, and communities, and terrorism breaks down all these efforts.”
Madam Antoinette Kuncha, Project Officer for SCUW, highlighted the vulnerability of Northern Ghana due to its proximity to Burkina Faso, which has become an epicentre of violent extremism according to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index.
Madam Kuncha explained that the project aims to strengthen community policing, address misconceptions and negative stereotypes, and leverage media platforms as a tool for sensitization, education, and conflict resolution.
She disclosed that the project operates in six border communities across the Sissala East and Sissala West districts, aiming to build resilience and promote collaboration between residents and security agencies.
The engagement was also attended by other civil society organizations (CSOs) such as Save Ghana and CAPECS and such state institutions as the Peace Council and National Commission for Civic Education as well as the Fulani Youth Association of Ghana (FUYAG), an ethnic minority group.
Madam Museidatu Alhassan, Project Officer at CAPECS, noted that her outfit has implemented a number of initiatives targeted at promoting social cohesion, including strengthening community savings and loan schemes.
Sharing the Save Ghana story, Madam Rama Racheal said the organization has successfully promoted the integration and acceptance of Fulbe tribes in various communities, reducing stereotypes and farmer-herder conflicts.
Attendees commended SILDEP and its partners for their proactive efforts, expressing optimism that such initiatives would make Upper West a beacon of peace and security.
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