The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Shani Alhassan Shaibu, has lauded Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre (NORSAAC) for its contribution to the development of the regions in the North.
Speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Non-Governmental Organization, the Minister said Norsaac has empowered women, youth and children by dealing with socio-cultural practices that are detrimental to the progress of these groups.
‘Norsaac is noted for building capacity of women groups, youth networks and school children by giving them relevant training and educational programmes,’ he said.
On the theme of the anniversary, Mr Shaibu said the ‘Scourge of violent extremism in the sub-region: threat to Ghana’s security and socio-economic development,’ reflects the security situation in the sub-region.
According to him, the theme is also in tandem with the government’s security agenda in fighting the phenomenon that has become a monster in neighbouring West African countries.
He said the ‘If you see something, say something,’ is an awareness campaign that aims at encouraging citizens to be vigilant of suspicious characters and report their activities to relevant security agencies through the toll-free number, 999.
He added that despite terrorist activities in countries like Nigeria, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, Global Peace Index Report has ranked Ghana high with regard to peace.
He disclosed that out of 163 countries, Ghana was ranked first in West Africa, second in Africa and 40th in the world.
The Executive Director of Norsaac, Alhaji Mohammed Awal Alhassan, said as part of the organisation’s efforts in supporting the government, it had mobilized and led Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Northern Ghana to observe national elections.
That, he said, had led to credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
He added that the Norsaac has worked in over 6,000 communities across the regions in that part of the country and provided direct grants to about 17 different organisations above GHC2 million.
Bala Ali & Salifu Abdulai Yakubu, ISD