The Builsa North Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) held a Police/Community dialogue session in the Bilinsa community to create a platform for the Ghana Police Service and community to interact, defuse suspicion, and build trust in order to improve police-community relations and confidence. This was part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence in the Municipality at large.
The event, which took place at the Bilinsa Community durbar ground near Afoko Junior High School on Monday, 22nd July 2024, with support from the European Union, focused on preventing and containing violent extremism (PCVE) in the country.
The participants included Bilinsa Community leaders, members, the Ghana Police Service, other security agencies, and identifiable groups that had previously taken part in the PCVE program, among others.
Mr. Carlven Avaba-Ngaang Afelik, the Officer in charge, when addressing the participants on behalf of the Municipal Director for NCCE, noted that there were existing gaps between the Police and residents in many communities, and indicated that the dialogue sought to bridge such gaps.
He added that the National Commission for Civic Education, through Police/Community Dialogue sessions, aims to enhance the trust needed for effective law enforcement and community safety.
He said the Police/Community Dialogue is one of the activities under the European Union (EU) supported program to Prevent and Contain Violent Extremism (PCVE) Action in the Northern Regions of Ghana by fostering mutual trust, understanding, and cooperation. The approach can address the root causes of radicalization, enhance community resilience, and create a safer, more inclusive society for all.
“I am confident that through our collective efforts, we can achieve a stronger, more cooperative relationship between the police and the community. Let us seize this opportunity to make meaningful progress and build a brighter future for all,” he added.
The Builsa North Municipal Police Commander ASP Joseph Tabiri has ceased the opportunity and educated participants on Police-community relations and the need for community members to offer support to the Police by volunteering information to make the area safe.
He encouraged community members to be vigilant to report suspicious characters to the Police to act on through investigations.
He took participants through community and Police relations, emphasising the need for collaboration to safeguard lives and property.
He told the people to see the police as partners in development and support them in their work.
The Immigration officer in charge, ASI Mr. Alhassan Haruna when responded to the Assemblyman for the Bilinsa Electoral Area Mr Clifford Apag-yari concerns of influx of Fulani and other foreigners in the Builsa North Municipality, the officer said the service has Repartrated all illegal Fulani Herdsmen to their original countries and those who have permanent residence permit and those who have also stayed in Ghana for several years and the chiefs of such communities also confirming their long stay with them without violence have been registered.
He assured the Assemblyman that all measures are put in place to curb the influx of these Fulani Herdsmen
The Participants were given a platform to ask questions about Police operations and to provide recommendations on issues of concern.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Edmond Kwaching Agwaazeh, Upper East Regional Correspondent
