By Murtala Issah
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has stressed the role of traditional authorities in preventing and containing the spread of violent extremism in Ghana.
He noted that every inch of the country falls under a traditional authority without whose permission no one can settle and spread their ideology, pointing out that the phenomenon of violent extremism has gained routes in French countries due to the absence of traditional authority.
Mr. Bagbin was addressing the Regent of Bimbilla, Naa Andani Dassana, and his elders during a courtesy call in Bimbilla.
The visit forms part of the Speaker’s nationwide tour to celebrate thirty years of Parliamentary democracy. Ghana is considered an oasis of stability in the West African subregion after seeing constitutional change of power over the past thirty years. The stability of the country contrasts sharply with the situation in most of its West African neighbours, including the Ivory Coast, Togo, and Burkina Faso.
Apart from the political challenges facing countries within the subregion, violent extremist groups have also launched a series of attacks in these countries in a bid to take control of these countries.
Experts have warned that these violent extremist organisations operating in the Sahel have their sights set on Ghana, putting the country on high alert.
The Speaker of Parliament, who started a nationwide tour in celebration of thirty years of Parliamentary democracy this year, emphasised that Ghana cannot afford to fall under the control of violent extremist groups.
He stressed that, traditional rulers in Ghana have a crucial role to play in safeguarding democracy and securing the territorial integrity of the nation.
The Regent of Nanum, Naa Andani Dassana, commended the Parliament, especially the Speaker, for the role played in ensuring that peace returns to Bimbilla.
He called for stronger collaboration between government and traditional authorities to protect the nation from internal and external threats.
Speaker Bagbin is expected to continue with his tour to the Volta and other parts of Ghana.