STAR-Ghana, with support from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, has launched the Fulbe Integration Manual as move towards promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
This essential resource aims to foster greater understanding and inclusion of Fulbe (popularly known as Fulani) communities in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch event, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, emphasized the importance of addressing exclusion and marginalization.
The manual starts from the assumption that it’s not just enough to recognize that something needs to be done, but we need to push out the issue. How it is done can address the issue or can exacerbate the problem,” he noted.
Amidu further stressed that, “We need to stimulate conversations around key issues of integration, social cohesion, human rights, and dignity in Ghana. We need to look beyond the stereotypes and recognize the contributions of Fulbe communities to our socioeconomic life.”
Dr. George Amoh, Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council of Ghana, also emphasized the need for integration, stating, “We cannot say who we are, a state or a nation, when sections of our society are not fully integrated.”
He highlighted the importance of deliberate policies to integrate all sections of society. “You will have to be deliberate in identifying entities that are not well integrated and design policies that can get them to be well integrated in the development agenda of that country.”
Amoh also noted that, “Building a nation is not only building roads, building bridges, education institutions, they are all good, but building an integrated country is the most important thing.” He urged participants to take action, saying, “What can I do in the very small role I have to play in this country to get Ghanaians more integrated?”
The manual is designed to provide guidelines for promoting inclusive practices and addressing systemic exclusion and marginalization. It aims to foster greater understanding and inclusion of Fulbe communities in Ghana, promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The launch event brought together representatives from the National Peace Council, the Ministry of Interior, and civil society organizations, marking a significant step towards building a more inclusive and united Ghana.