NPC Chairman Urges Communities, Security Forces to Unite Against Violent Extremism

The Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, has issued a strong call for Ghanaians at every level of society — from families and local communities to security agencies and traditional rulers — to work together in confronting the growing threat of violent extremism. He stressed that security measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace unless the underlying social and economic conditions that leave communities exposed to radicalisation are also addressed.

What was said at the Accra dialogue

Most Rev. Fianu made the remarks at the National Dialogue on Civil-Security Engagement in Preventing Violent Extremism, held in Accra. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss practical ways of strengthening the relationship between ordinary citizens and the security services in the fight against extremism.

The NPC Chairman identified several pillars he regards as essential to any credible prevention strategy: inclusive governance, employment opportunities for young people, community trust, and the establishment of effective early warning systems that can alert authorities before threats escalate into violence. He emphasised that when civilians and security personnel genuinely trust each other, communities become far more capable of spotting and responding to warning signs early.

Most Rev. Fianu also used the platform to make a direct appeal to all parties involved in the long-running Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region, as well as other unresolved disputes around the country, urging them to pursue peaceful and democratic means of settling their differences rather than resorting to violence. He reminded Ghanaians that durable peace demands commitment and shared responsibility from every section of society.

The project behind the dialogue

The event was organised under the Prevention of Violent Extremism Through Social Accountability (PoVETSA) Project, implemented by Catholic Relief Services Ghana (CRS Ghana) with funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The National Peace Council has been a key partner in this initiative since 2023, working alongside CRS Ghana and with the support of the Government of the Netherlands to build trust and improve collaboration between communities and security actors across the country.

The PoVETSA project reflects a growing recognition among development partners that the battle against extremism in West Africa cannot be won by military force alone. Investment in social cohesion, accountability and civilian-security partnerships is increasingly seen as a frontline defence.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana has long been considered one of West Africa's most stable democracies, but it is not immune to the pressures of violent extremism. The country shares borders with Burkina Faso, which has experienced a dramatic deterioration in security, and with Togo and Côte d'Ivoire, both of which have seen extremist activity in their northern regions. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that Ghana's northern communities, particularly those already dealing with intercommunal tensions such as in Bawku, could be vulnerable to infiltration by extremist groups seeking to exploit local grievances.

The concerns raised by the NPC Chairman about youth unemployment and marginalised communities are especially pertinent. Ghana's youth unemployment rate remains a significant challenge, and experts consistently note that idle and disaffected young people are among the most susceptible to extremist recruitment. Addressing these vulnerabilities through jobs, good governance and community engagement is not merely a development goal — it is, increasingly, a security imperative.

• The dialogue forms part of the Dutch-funded PoVETSA project run by CRS Ghana and the NPC.
• Most Rev. Fianu called on all Bawku conflict parties to embrace peaceful, democratic resolution.
• Youth employment and community trust were highlighted as critical pillars of extremism prevention.