A community-driven peacebuilding initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is helping strengthen resilience against violent extremism in northern parts of Ghana, particularly in vulnerable border communities.
With financial support from development partners including the governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and the South Korea, the initiative focuses on empowering youth, supporting women’s livelihoods, and strengthening local institutions to tackle the root causes of conflict.
The programme targets communities in the northern border regions where extremist groups operating across the Gulf of Guinea have increasingly attempted to recruit vulnerable youth.
Youth Taking the Lead in Preventing Extremism
Young people in communities such as Tempane have received training to recognise early warning signs of radicalisation and counter misinformation and hate speech within their communities.
Through the programme, youth leaders have also used community engagements and local-language radio broadcasts to educate residents on extremist recruitment tactics, reaching more than 72,000 listeners.
One of the youth leaders involved in the initiative, Alhassan Dasmani, said the training had helped young people understand the dangers posed by extremist groups.
He noted that unemployment, misinformation and peer pressure often make young people vulnerable to recruitment, but education and opportunities could help reverse the trend.
Economic Empowerment Supporting Stability
The initiative also focuses on improving economic opportunities to reduce the vulnerabilities often exploited by extremist groups.
In Yipala, women farmers are benefitting from solar-powered water systems that enable year-round vegetable farming.
For a beneficiary, Faustina, the support has helped transform a small backyard garden into a dependable source of food and income for her family.
Alongside irrigation support, participants have received training in climate-smart agriculture, as well as access to seeds and farming inputs, helping to increase food production and household incomes.
Building Institutional Capacity for Peace
The programme has also strengthened the capacity of district assemblies, security agencies and civil society organisations to improve conflict prevention and community engagement.
Border monitoring systems have been enhanced through surveillance tools and specialised training to help detect emerging threats.
At the national level, institutions such as the National Peace Council and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons have received technical support to improve arms control and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons.
According to Anne Anaba, a participant in a peacebuilding training organised by the Regional Peace Council, the programme has strengthened the capacity of communities to resolve disputes.
She said the training had given participants the confidence to help address issues such as chieftaincy conflicts and land disputes within their communities.
Community-Led Approach to Peacebuilding
The initiative operates through UNDP’s flexible funding windows, which allow partners to respond quickly to emerging security challenges while supporting long-term peacebuilding.
By combining youth empowerment, economic development and institutional strengthening, the programme is helping communities build resilience against violent extremism.
Across northern Ghana’s border areas, the initiative is demonstrating that sustainable peace is most effective when communities themselves are equipped with the tools and opportunities to safeguard their future.
