Upper West Region, Ghana – Teen Talk Ghana, spearheaded by their Executive Director, Linat Osman Kuudaribuo, has made significant strides towards fostering peace and resilience in the Upper West Region through a courtesy visit to the Chief Director of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray. This meeting marks an important step in the organization’s initiative titled “Building Resilient Communities Against Violent Extremism in the Upper West Region.”
Upon their arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Chief Director Koray, who represented the Honorable Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq., the Upper West Regional Minister. The purpose of their visit was to formally present their groundbreaking project aimed at empowering 120 youth leaders across six districts, particularly focusing on young women and Fulbe youth. By engaging these leaders through capacity-building initiatives, training sessions, and community sensitization forums, Teen Talk Ghana aims to cultivate mediators and peace ambassadors who will spearhead efforts to address the pressing issues of violent extremism in the region.
This initiative directly responds to several ongoing challenges faced by the region, including economic hardships, inadequate service delivery, and marginalization, which contribute to susceptibility to radicalization. By fostering resilience and promoting social cohesion, the project aims to strengthen grassroots efforts in preventing violent extremism and enhance overall community stability.
During the engagement, Chief Director Koray underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of violent extremism, highlighting various initiatives such as the Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project that seek to actively engage and empower young people. She expressed her gratitude towards Teen Talk Ghana for their proactive measures that complement ongoing government efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Looking ahead, the Regional Coordinating Council plans to host a scoping Workshop on security with delegates from Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali to participate. This exemplifies the collaborative efforts being undertaken to address regional security challenges.
In her address, Miss Koray emphasized the need for collaboration among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) engaged in counter-extremist initiatives. She pointed out that effective collaboration can maximize community outreach, ensuring that resources are used effectively and that there is no duplication of efforts in combating violent extremism.
Key challenges within the community were also highlighted, including the concerning rise of “get-rich-quick” mentalities and substance abuse among the youth. Miss Koray suggested that these issues be integrated into the project’s training modules to ensure that the youth are well-equipped to navigate these societal challenges.
The discussions also saw valuable contributions from representatives of Teen Talk Ghana. Mr. James praised the initiative’s inclusive approach, particularly its focus on the Fulbe community, emphasizing the importance of successful reintegration efforts. He cautioned that poorly managed reintegration could exacerbate tensions and undermine the ongoing peace-building initiatives.
Mr. Simon added that maintaining open communication with the Chief Director regarding any emerging security issues is essential as the organization engages with communities. He reiterated the significance of collaboration and pooled resources in achieving the project’s objectives.
This important meeting represents a significant milestone in the fight against violent extremism in the Upper West Region, as Teen Talk Ghana works closely with regional authorities to ensure that their initiatives not only align with local priorities but also contribute effectively to peace and security efforts. As stakeholders come together in this essential mission, the hope for a more resilient community grows stronger, paving the way for sustainable development and social harmony.
Teen Talk Ghana is committed to playing its part in creating a peaceful and prosperous future for all citizens in the Upper West Region.
