Over 20 people stopped from joining extremists
The Executive Director of Centre for Counter Extremism (WACCE,) says at least 20 people have been prevented from joining extremism in Ghana since the security organisation was set up in 2013.
The organisation has also helped 22 radicalised people to turn their back on terrorism and last year stopped a 21-year old from northern Ghana from joining ISIS in Syria, Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar said.
Mugthar who graduated from Coventry University with masters in international terrorism said he stopped a young man from joining ISIS with just hours to spare, he said, as part of his on-going commitment to fight terrorism.
He was speaking at a news conference after attending the university alumni association event at the Ghana Technology University College – a partner institution of Coventry University.
Mutaru said: “last year I saved a young man’s life. He had been radicalised online and was on his way to join the terrorist group ISIS after he spent time online looking for meaning in his life.
“Just a day before leaving to join the group, he watched my TV outreach programme on counter-radicalisation, and that was what changed everything and he changed his mind”.
“West Africa is one of the deadliest regions for terrorism. My plans are to expand my counter terrorism work to include the entire West Africa region, helping to dissuade vulnerable groups and individuals from engaging in violent extremism and falling into the void of terrorist recruitment”.
He said it was important to deepen understanding of violent extremism and radicalisation to vulnerable people at risk.
He earlier appeared as a guest speaker at the university event, which was run in conjunction with the British Council.
It included master classes on entrepreneurship and employability for around 100 graduates.
John Latham, Vice Chancellor of Coventry University, in a statement said: “Our students and alumni make a significant contribution to their communities, be they in the UK or internationally.”
“Mutaru is among the most significant and important. His team’s work will shape many young lives and spread a message of peace and, I am delighted that his journey began in Coventry.
“The success of our alumni is in part down to the experiences they have here and the opportunities they take throughout their studies.”
Source: GNA