By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, May 9, GNA – The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in collaboration with the National Peace Council, has organised a week-long training on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) in Bolgatanga for 50 youth leaders drawn from across the Upper East Region.
The training aimed at equipping the youth with knowledge and practical skills in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, early warning systems, countering extremist narratives, and strengthening community resilience against extremist influence.
The initiative comes at a time of growing insecurity across the Sahel region, particularly in neighbouring Burkina Faso, where persistent extremist violence continues to pose threats to countries within the sub-region, 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 formed part of activities under 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 programme, Ms Adelaide Yiriyelleh, Project Manager at CRS Ghana, said the training reflected the organisation’s commitment to investing in young people as frontline actors for peace.
“Young people have the energy and influence to shape the future of their communities. When they are equipped with the right tools, they become a powerful force for peace, resilience, and positive change,” she said.
Ms Yiriyelleh noted that many individuals involved in or affected by extremist activities across Africa were below the age of 35, making youth-centred prevention strategies critical to sustaining peace and security.
Mr Augustine Owusu, Head of Programming at KAIPTC, who led a session on the trends and drivers of violent extremism in West Africa and Ghana, stressed the importance of prevention-led responses to violent extremism.
“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,” he said.
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 appreciate 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.
Mr Akanbonga 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, took participants through border management challenges and the threats posed by porous borders.
He said the numerous unapproved routes along the Ghana-Burkina Faso border made it easier for criminal and extremist elements to infiltrate communities if citizens failed to remain vigilant.
Mr Ali Anankpieng, a Peacebuilding Facilitator, said targeting the youth with such interventions was important because they were often the most vulnerable group exploited to perpetrate violence and spread misinformation.
He encouraged the 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 said 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, said the training had helped her to understand how silence allows conflict and extremist ideas to take root.
“I am leaving with a commitment to choose peace, speak out against violence, and educate other young people in my community so we can build unity,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]