Japan and UNDP Supports Capacity Building for Accra Initiative to Counter Terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel

September 12, 2024
a group of people sitting at a table with a laptop

Cross section of participants at the Capacity Building for Accra Initiative workshop.

@Solace Mensah/ UNDPGhana

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) with funding from the Government of Japan, is set to develop a course package to strengthen the implementation of the Accra Initiative (AI), a regional response mechanism against violent extremism and terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.

The course design workshop is a collaborative effort aimed to enhance the capacities of national and non-governmental professionals working within national jurisdictions to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism with presentation of findings from in-country consultations and field research.

"Let us bring our expertise, experiences, and insights to the table to develop a comprehensive training course package that makes a tangible impact in preventing violent extremism and radicalization," emphasized Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, Deputy Commandant of the KAIPTC, highlighting the importance of the workshop.

a man holding a sign

David Akrong, Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC delivering his speech at the Capacity Building for Accra Initiative worksop

@Solace Mensah/ UNDP Ghana

Dr. Edward Ampratwum UNDP’s Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance stated that, “UNDP is committed to fostering collaboration with KAIPTC and the Government of Japan to support the Accra Initiative by enhancing capacities to prevent and counter violent extremism”.

a man holding a sign

Dr. Edward Ampratwum Head of Accountable Governance Inclusive Growth delivering his speech at the Capacity Building for Accra Initiative workshop.

@Solace Mensah/ UNDP Ghana

The AI is a confederal multi-lateral response mechanism against violent extremism and terrorism has over the past seven years sought to prevent the spillover of terrorism from the Sahel and address transnational organized crime with the participating states as the main actors. These participating states are Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger with Nigeria as the observer country.

With our joint efforts, we will continue to intensify our cooperation in combating terrorism and promoting peace and security in the Sahel and West African regions." Noted, Mr. Kodama Wataru, representative from the Japan Embassy in Ghana.

The threat of violent extremism demands immediate attention and collective action. UNDP is poised to leverage the Accra Initiative's framework and this training course package to bolster cooperation and counter terrorism. Let us act now to safeguard our communities.

a group of people posing for a photo

Group photo of participants at the Capacity Building for Accra Initiative workshop

@Solace Mensah/ UNDP Ghana