The government’s efforts in preventing violent extremism and terrorism in the northern part of the country through awareness and sensitisation drive has been commended by the US government.
This follows a recent visit by a multi-agency US Government delegation to Ghana and its neighbours in the sub-region to discuss US support, assistance and regional efforts in building peace and bolstering resilience.
“Ghana’s prevention-focused strategy can be a model for other countries across West Africa which makes her a wonderful example of where we can help the people and the government to actually prevent a situation from getting worse and before gets out of hand,” the delegation noted.
A report published by Promediation, a French non-governmental organisation revealed Ghana serves as withdrawal point for extremist groups who operate within Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire and another report, presented to the United Nations Security Council, indicates presence of terrorist warehouse in Ghana, Togo and Benin.
So far, Ghana’s neighbours, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire have all experienced attacks from terrorists and Ghana has since been spared.
Speaking in a digital roundtable media briefing, Robert Jenkins, Assistant to the Administrator, US Agency for International Development, said he was impressed with the strategies the government was implementing in countering violent extremism and terrorism.
“There is a growing awareness, education, sensitisation and efforts to increase that awareness because Ghana is at threat of increased instability, one of the issues that excite me most about this strategy across West Africa is its focus on prevention.
“The reason behind the non-attacks is due to the enabling environment Ghana indirectly provides for the operation of violent activities in the sub-region and with support and assistance from international partners like the United States, Ghana is accelerating its sensitisation campaign.
“See something, say something for the citizenry to be alert, report suspicious activities by persons in their communities is laudable and must be sustained,” Mr Jenkins noted.
Anne Witkowsky, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilisation Operations, US Department of State, assured of US commitment, dedication and determination to maintaining an assisting and supporting role to its African partners to address regional challenges which needed teamwork, coordination and innovation to enhance security.
“When we work together with a common interest, we are all stronger,” she intimated.
