Mr Mugthar
The Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), Mutaru Mumuni Mugthar has admonished the youth to play leading roles to preserve and counter any vulnerability that will result in large scale violence in the country.
He noted that peace and security were challenges for the youth and everything should be done to ensure they engage in peace initiatives in their communities to accelerate development.
Mr Mugthar gave the admonition at a two-day capacity building workshop on preventing violent extremism under the auspices of the US Embassy and WACCE to train 100 youth as peace Ambassadors drawn from various communities and educational institutions in the region.
Mr Mugthar expressed worry about violent extremism amongst the youth and assured of supporting them to understand what it means to be radicalised, underpinning radicalisation, violent extremism and issues resulting in violence in the country.
“The youth should be supported to understand vulnerabilities within their communities, what can lead them to engage in violence and to see themselves as peace ambassadors, what kind of conversation can lead to violence, how can we prevent that from happening, how can an individual lead in terms of seeking peace?”
“Chieftaincy disputes and ethnic conflicts are very common, currently we have 352 unresolved chieftaincy disputes and ethnic conflicts which is a serious situation, it is important young people understand the vulnerabilities and see themselves as playing leading roles to preserve the peace and stability of the country,” Mr Mugthar cautioned.
Elizabeth Ategou, the Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, commended the Centre for initiating the programme that sought to prevent violence at all levels particularly the youth who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
She lauded the efforts of civil societies and traditional authorities for supporting the initiative to empower young people to seek peace in their various communities and show commitment in promoting solution to challenges.
“The United States is proud to work hand in hand with young leaders to champion the noble cause of promoting peace, rejecting violence, strengthening communities and planting the seed of prosperity for every Ghanaian child.
Most Rev. Father Philip Naameh, the Chairman of the Northern Regional Peace Council, urged the youth to channel their energies into productive activities. –savannanews24.com
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