Bolgatanga: The Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in collaboration with the National Peace Council, has spearheaded a week-long training program on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) for 50 youth leaders in Bolgatanga, drawn from communities across the Upper East Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training aimed to equip the youth with essential knowledge and practical skills in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, early warning systems, and countering extremist narratives. It also focused on strengthening community resilience against extremist influences. This initiative comes amid growing insecurity in the Sahel region, particularly in neighboring Burkina Faso, where persistent extremist violence poses threats to countries, including Ghana.
Although Ghana remains peaceful and stable, experts have warned that factors such as youth unemployment, inequality, exclusion, misinformation, and unresolved community conflicts could create vulnerabilities that extremist groups may exploit. The training is part of the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (PoVETSA) project, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by CRS in partnership with the National Peace Council and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
Speaking at the program, Ms. Adelaide Yiriyelleh, Project Manager at CRS Ghana, expressed that the training reflects the organization's commitment to investing in young people as frontline actors for peace. She emphasized that young people possess the energy and influence to shape the future of their communities. When equipped with the right tools, they become a force for peace, resilience, and positive change. Ms. Yiriyelleh noted that many individuals involved in or affected by extremist activities across Africa are below the age of 35, making youth-centered prevention strategies critical to sustaining peace and security.
Mr. Augustine Owusu, Head of Programming at KAIPTC, highlighted the importance of prevention-led responses to violent extremism. He stated that violent extremism thrives where grievances remain unaddressed and trust in institutions is weak. Preventing it requires inclusive governance, stronger communities, and empowered youth who can reject violence and champion peace.
Mr. Victor Akanbonga, the Upper East Regional Head of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, said the training would help the youth understand the dangers associated with illicit small arms and light weapons in the region. He explained that the instability in Sahel countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had created opportunities for arms smuggling into Ghana, posing security risks to communities in the Upper East region. He urged residents to support security agencies with information on persons involved in illegal arms possession, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Mr. Robert Ubindam, Head of Operations and Intelligence at the Ghana Immigration Service at the Paga Border, addressed participants on border management challenges and the threats posed by porous borders. He pointed out that the numerous unapproved routes along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border facilitated the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements if citizens failed to remain vigilant.
Mr. Ali Anankpieng, a Peacebuilding Facilitator, emphasized the importance of targeting the youth with such interventions because they are often the most vulnerable group exploited to perpetrate violence and spread misinformation. He encouraged participants to become peace ambassadors in their communities by promoting unity, verifying information before sharing it, and reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Some participants expressed that the training had strengthened their understanding of violent extremism and inspired them to educate their peers on peacebuilding and non-violence. Ms. Nihadatu Mohammed, one of the participants, remarked that the training had helped her understand how silence allows conflict and extremist ideas to take root. She committed to choosing peace, speaking out against violence, and educating other young people in her community to build unity.