Ghana, despite its relative political stability, faces increasing vulnerability to violent extremism due to a combination of internal and external factors. Ranked 89th on the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, the country is situated within a fragile and unstable subregion.
Northern Ghana, sharing a porous 540-kilometer border with Burkina Faso—an epicenter of violent extremism—faces heightened risks from the spillover effects of extremist activities.
In response, the Social Initiative for Literacy and Development (SILDEP), in collaboration with Star Ghana Foundation and the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, launched the Strengthening Cohesion Project under the Security in Northern Ghana (SENG) initiative.
Northern Ghana’s proximity to Burkina Faso exposes the region to the infiltration of extremist narratives and actors. According to SILDEP’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Moses Dramani called for urgent and coordinated action to address the growing insecurity.
“It is the business of all stakeholders to ensure peace, security, and cohesion in our region, district, and communities, and terrorism breaks down all these efforts.
“The media’s duty is crucial in setting the agenda, avoiding fear and panic, and providing factual and accurate information to combat misinformation.”
Mr. Moses Dramani Chief Executive Officer, SILDEP
The project seeks to enhance community cohesion through various initiatives, including the implementation of community policing strategies and the formation of Community Action and Value Response Teams (CARTs).
The project officer for the Strengthening Cohesion initiative Ms. Antoinette explained the role of the CARTs.
“To strengthen robust and sustainable community policing, these CARTs are trained community volunteers who monitor their communities and collaborate with security agencies to address insecurity and prevent infiltration by violent extremist organizations in the selected border communities.”
Ms. Ms. Antoinette SLIDEP Project Officer
The initiative is currently operational in six communities, including Bugubelle, Kassana, and Kasaapuori in Sisala East, and Jitong, Sorbelle, in Sisala West.
Promoting Peace Through Media
One of the project’s strategies involves leveraging media platforms to disseminate messages of peace and integration. Monthly radio sensitization programs and anti-violence extremism jingles aim to educate the public and foster a culture of tolerance.
The participants highlighted the potential of interethnic marriages in bridging divides and fostering unity. One of the participant recounted a common myth;
“There’s was an ardent that if you marry to a Fulani, as a man you would go poor or you would even die when you sleep with a Fulani. There’s a need for us to use our media houses to let people know the need to integrate when it comes to marriages in promoting social gatherings and not discriminate among ourselves. We should know that everybody is a human being, once you are breathing. And you have equal opportunity to societal resources.’’
A Participant
However, others recognized the benefits of intermarriage, using examples from prominent figures.
“Today we are running second lady, Second Lady who is she, is because she got married to our tribe that she got the opportunity to be the second lady of Ghana.’’
A Participant
The Strengthening Cohesion Project in Northern Ghana is a commendable initiative addressing the challenges of violent extremism and promoting unity.
By involving local communities, leveraging media platforms, and fostering interethnic dialogue, the project provides a sustainable framework for resilience.
As northern Ghana navigates these complex challenges, collaborative efforts will remain essential to securing a peaceful and cohesive future.
READ ALSO; Ruger Lives Out Childhood Dream at Rapperholic2024 Concert
