By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, July 30, GNA – Youth unemployment and poverty have emerged as the strongest factors increasing the vulnerability of young people to violent extremism, a new study conducted by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the National Peace Council has revealed.
The research, conducted in 30 communities across 10 districts in the Upper East, Upper West, Northern, North East and Savannah Regions, found that economic deprivation, coupled with weak governance and social exclusion, created conditions that extremist groups could exploit.
The study, which surveyed 845 respondents and combined key informant interviews with focus group discussions, revealed that 86 per cent of respondents identified youth unemployment as the leading driver of vulnerability to violent extremism.
It also found that 76.6 per cent of respondents believed unemployed men were more likely to engage in risky behaviour, while 78.8 per cent identified social media as an important influence capable of fuelling violence.
The findings were shared with stakeholders in the security and peacebuilding sector in Bolgatanga as part of the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (PoVETSA II) Project.
The PoVETSA Project is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by CRS in collaboration with the National Peace Council and other stakeholders to strengthen community resilience against violent extremism in Ghana.
Professor Muhammed Abdulai, the Lead Researcher and a faculty member of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University for Development Studies, who presented the findings, said unemployment remained the greatest risk multiplier because it eroded livelihoods, pushed young people towards illicit economic activities, and increased pressure on young men to prove themselves through aggression and other risky behaviours.
He said poverty, limited educational opportunities, substance abuse, peer pressure, and perceptions of corruption and unfair treatment further compounded the vulnerability of many young people.
The study further highlighted governance-related concerns, with many respondents citing corruption, weak accountability, and limited economic opportunities as factors that contributed to frustration among young people.
It revealed that unresolved land disputes, ethnic tensions, and the exclusion of women, Fulbe communities, and other marginalised groups also increased community vulnerabilities.
Despite generally positive perceptions of security institutions, the study found that cooperation between communities and security agencies remained weak. Only 10.3 per cent of respondents had ever reported suspicious activities, while fear of reprisals, mistrust, and concerns over confidentiality discouraged many people from sharing information with security agencies.
It recommended treating youth unemployment as a national security priority by expanding livelihood opportunities and addressing the material conditions that made violent and illicit activities attractive to young people.
Professor Abdulai explained that the findings underscored the need for integrated interventions that addressed the structural causes of violent extremism rather than relying solely on awareness campaigns.
He said while Ghana had remained peaceful, the worsening insecurity across the Sahel and neighbouring countries required proactive investments in youth development and community resilience to prevent extremist infiltration.
In her remarks, Ms Adelaide Yiriyelleh, the Project Manager at CRS Ghana, stressed that preventing violent extremism required addressing the root causes of vulnerability.
She said investing in young people through employment opportunities, strengthening accountable governance, and building trust between communities and state institutions would help preserve Ghana’s peace.
“By investing in young people, strengthening accountable governance, creating economic opportunities, and building trust between communities and institutions, we can address the root causes of vulnerability and help preserve the peace that Ghana enjoys today,” she said.
On his part, Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, he Board Chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, underscored the importance of collective action in strengthening peacebuilding efforts.
He said: “Sustaining Ghana’s peace requires strong partnerships among government, security institutions, civil society, traditional authorities, and communities. By fostering dialogue, addressing grievances early, and building trust between citizens and institutions, we can strengthen resilience and prevent the conditions that allow violent extremism to take root.”
Mr Akamugri Donatus Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, noted that although Ghana had remained relatively insulated from terrorist attacks, the country could not afford to be complacent.
“Ensuring security requires inclusive development, accountable governance, and social cohesion through sustained investment in resilient communities, where the underlying drivers of vulnerability are addressed before violent extremist groups can exploit them,” he added.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Reporter’s email address: Email: [email protected]