Tamale: The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has organized a high-level dialogue focused on civil-military cooperation aimed at bolstering collaboration between civilians and security agencies to combat violent extremism. The initiative seeks to enhance trust and cooperation between communities and security services, a crucial strategy for maintaining peace and stability, particularly in the northern regions of the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the dialogue brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, security agencies, civil society actors, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, and the media. These participants engaged in discussions on effective methods to improve civil-military cooperation. The event was part of the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (PoVETSA II) project, implemented by CRS alongside the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre and the National Peace Council, with funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The PoVETSA II project aims to strengthen trust between civilians and security services to prevent violent extremism in Ghana.
Mrs. Alisa Mogre, Gender, Youth, and Inclusion Advisor at CRS, highlighted during the dialogue that robust civil-military relations are essential for sustainable peace, public trust, and national development. She warned that inadequate cooperation and weak social cohesion could jeopardize democracy and stability, citing lessons from insecurity issues in the Sahel region. Mrs. Mogre advocated for a collective, society-wide approach to peacebuilding.
Mr. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, stressed the significance of civil-military cooperation in countering the rising threat of violent extremism, which is often fueled by socio-economic inequalities and identity politics. While acknowledging Ghana's relative stability, Mr. Adolf emphasized the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to maintain peace. He asserted that civil-military cooperation should be viewed as a strategic priority rooted in trust between security agencies and communities.
Mr. John warned that a lack of trust could lead to fear, misinformation, and instability, particularly in areas affected by chieftaincy disputes, unemployment, and cross-border risks. He proposed several measures, including enhancing community engagement through traditional and religious leaders, improving information-sharing systems, and increasing the capacity of security personnel in conflict sensitivity and communication. He also highlighted the importance of youth empowerment, women's inclusion in security efforts, and addressing social exclusion as effective strategies to counter extremist narratives. Mr. John called for open dialogue, collaboration, and practical solutions, expressing the government's commitment to promoting peace, security, and strong partnerships.
The workshop featured presentations from various security agencies, focusing on strategies to enhance cooperation and prevent violent extremism. Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Twumasi of the Northern Regional Command, Ghana Armed Forces, noted that while public perception of the military is generally positive, there is a need for increased public education on the role, operations, and challenges of the military, facilitated by civil society and the media. He also addressed the growing challenge of misinformation and called for efforts to promote responsible reporting and counter false narratives.
Superintendent of Police, Mr. Odartey Lamptey of the Northern Regional Police Command, emphasized the role of volunteerism in maintaining security, especially given the instability in neighboring countries. He advocated for efforts to make security personnel more approachable and to build trust with communities, enabling individuals to feel confident in sharing information to enhance overall safety.
Alhaji Abdul Razak Saani, a Council Member of the Northern Regional Peace Council, expressed concern over Ghana's declining position on global peace indices, describing it as a troubling trend requiring urgent attention. He stressed that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility, urging citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies by sharing relevant information.