The Tema Metro Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Fidel Nii Akuffo Nortey, has called for education, employment opportunities and unity as key measures to prevent violent extremism.
He defined violent extremism as the use of violence to enforce or promote personal beliefs, noting that it can take political, religious and gender-based forms. He identified death and the loss of peace of mind among the consequences of violent extremism.
Speaking on the prevention of violent extremism on Nyansapo Fie, Plan B FM’s family, relationship and lifestyle programme, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, Mr. Nortey identified unemployment and poverty as factors that can contribute to the problem, particularly in communities experiencing limited development and economic opportunities. He stressed that creating jobs and addressing poverty could help reduce the conditions that make people vulnerable to extremist influence.
He also emphasised the importance of public education and dialogue in resolving disagreements, urging people to embrace unity and peaceful discussions instead of resorting to violence. According to him, preventing violent extremism requires collective responsibility from both the government and citizens.
Mr. Nortey further highlighted the role of online radicalisation in spreading extremist beliefs, explaining that social media platforms can be used to influence people’s mindsets, attitudes and behaviour. He noted that algorithms can repeatedly expose users to content that aligns with their interests, potentially reinforcing certain beliefs and making them more vulnerable to extremist messages. Such online influence can be used to persuade individuals to accept ideologies that promote intolerance or justify violence.
He therefore stressed the importance of educating the public to critically assess information encountered online and recognise attempts to manipulate their beliefs. He also called for stronger border controls as part of broader efforts to prevent violent extremism.
By: Lydia Owusu
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