Tamale: A two-day training workshop for selected officers of various security agencies in the Northern Region has been held in Tamale. It was organised by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an International NGO, in collaboration with the National Peace Council, under the Prevention of Violent Extremism Through Social Accountability (PoVETSA) phase II project, with funding support from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop, dubbed ‘Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P), brought together 30 key personnel from major security institutions including the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and the National Intelligence Bureau. Mrs. Alisa Afusah Mogre, Programme Manager for Youth and Peacebuilding at CRS-Ghana, explained that the second phase of the project aimed to promote inclusive peacebuilding, strengthen trust between civilians and security institutions, and prevent violent extremism and terrorism particularly in the northern part of the country.

She stated that the training was designed to enhance the capacity of security agencies, refine their understanding of peacebuilding, and reaffirm their commitment to professionalism, empathy, and accountability. Participants were introduced to key concepts of the R2P initiative, covering mass atrocities, crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, as well as the processes that lead to such crimes. Mrs. Mogre emphasized the importance of exploring how global principles could be practically applied locally to protect vulnerable populations and uphold the dignity and human rights of every Ghanaian.

Mr. Frank Wilson Bodza, Deputy Director in-charge of Conflict Management at the National Peace Council, highlighted the need to bridge the trust gap between security agencies and civilians, following the successful implementation of the project’s first phase. He emphasized that the training was designed to equip security agencies so civilians feel safe and comfortable reporting security concerns, while ensuring that security personnel prioritise the safety of all Ghanaians. Mr. Bodza noted that fostering a more cordial relationship between security agencies and the public would strengthen the country’s commitment to sustainable coexistence, ultimately contributing to national peace and stability. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training to enhance their efforts in promoting peace and security in the country.