The Upper East Regional Peace Council recently organized a two-day training workshop aimed at empowering cross-border women traders in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region. The workshop, which was part of the Atlantic Corridor Project, sought to equip participants with the necessary skills to prevent the spillover of activities of violent extremists.
With a total of over 60 participants including market women, hairdressers, tailors, drivers, and spare parts dealers, the training focused on measures to prevent violent extremism, guard against radicalization, and mitigate the impact of violent extremism on their economic activities.
The theme of the workshop, "Preventing Violent Extremism for Women and Youth," underscored the importance of building the capacity of women and youth to recognize and counteract extremist propaganda and recruitment tactics. The initiative also aimed at empowering participants to advocate for peace and stability, resist extremist ideologies, and foster a proactive approach to combating violent extremism.
Supported by the governments of Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Australia through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the training underscored the significance of educating women traders to better detect and resist exploitations by violent extremists. Mr. David Angaamba, the Principal Programme Manager of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, emphasized that vulnerable individuals, including women and youth involved in cross-border trade, are particularly susceptible to extremist recruitment and radicalization due to economic challenges.
Assistant Immigration Control Officer (AICO II), Avoti Imoro Joyce, at the Paga Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), reiterated the importance of promoting peace to combat violent extremism. Additionally, Mrs. Rebecca Ankobil, a trader and guest house manager, expressed gratitude for the training, stating that it had provided her with a sense of self-security and positioned her to be more vigilant in identifying suspicious characters.
GhanaCrime's Take
The workshop's focus on empowering women and youth in cross-border trade to resist extremist ideologies and contribute to broader peace-building efforts is a significant step towards promoting community safety and stability in the region. The commitment of both local and international stakeholders in supporting such initiatives is crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by violent extremism.
-source GNA | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
