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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.
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, speaking during the workshop, explained that the second phase of the project was 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 said the training was designed to enhance the capacity of security agencies, aid to refine their understanding of peacebuilding, and reaffirm their commitment to professionalism, empathy, and accountability.
Participants were exposed to key concepts of the R2P initiative including mass atrocities, crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity as well as the processes that lead to such crimes.
Mrs. Mogre said: "We are also exploring how these global principles can be practically applied in our local context 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 said: "This training is to equip our security agencies so that civilians feel safe and comfortable reporting security concerns while ensuring that security personnel prioritise the safety of all Ghanaians."
He said fostering a more cordial relationship between security agencies and members of the public would strengthen the country's commitment to sustainable coexistence, ultimately contributing to national peace and stability.
Mr. Bodza encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training to enhance their efforts in promoting peace and security in the country.
