UNDP and UNFPA Launch a Project to Enhance Peace and Stability in Northern Ghana

June 11, 2024

UNDP Ghana_PBF_Project Launch — Group photo of participants

Photos @Ernestina Ocansey/ UNDP Ghana

In a bold move to strengthen peace and stability in Northern Ghana, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Ghana, have launched a new project to empower the youth and women of Northern Ghana to build peace and prevent violent extremism.

The project, funded by the United Nations Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund, will be implemented over a period of 24 months across eight districts in three regions in Northern Ghana: Bongo, Bawku West, and Garu in the Upper East Region; Wa West and Sissala West in the Upper West Region; and Yunyoo-Nasuan, Chereponi, and Bunkpurugu-Nankpanduri in the North-East Region.

Ghana, known for its democracy and stability in West Africa, faces significant challenges in its northern regions, where protracted violent conflicts and porous borders have created an environment ripe for exploitation by violent extremist groups.

To tackle this issue, the project seeks to address these challenges by empowering local governance institutions, women, and youth to take ownership of their development and security towards a peaceful and resilient society.

Speaking at the launch, the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Angela Lusigi noted that, “Empowering women and youth is crucial to preventing violence and building a more peaceful world. Through this new project, UNDP is committed to working with its partners to provide women and youth in the selected regions with the skills, resources, and support they need to become powerful agents of peace and change to create a safer and more equitable future for all”, she noted.

On his part, the UNFPA Country Representative in Ghana, Wilfred Ochan noted that, “UNFPA Ghana will support the government of Ghana in fostering a nation where trust, inclusion, and social cohesion thrive, ensuring that violent extremism has no place”, he added.

The Northern Regional Minister, Honorable Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, commended efforts by the partners to introduce a project to contribute to peace. He added that, “Tackling violent extremism requires addressing its root causes. The Peacebuilding Fund project is a positive step towards addressing the challenges that threaten peace in Northern Ghana and will help promote peace and stability for all”.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Charles Abani, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing violent extremism and added that, by joining forces, we can tackle the complex challenges that fuel violent extremism and create resilient societies

Speaking at the launch event, Madam Sena Siaw-Boateng, Chief Director of the Ministry of National Security, emphasized the timeliness of the project, stating that it reflects the commitment of all stakeholders in fostering peace and social cohesion. She highlighted that, the Ministry is putting in efforts to empower women and youth through skills training, aimed at preventing radicalization and extremism.

The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Naana Eyiah, also praised the project, noting that it complements government's commitment to promoting peace in the country. She expressed optimism that the project would help address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable development.

The project will focus on empowering local governance institutions, women, and youth to take ownership of their development and security, by building their capacity to deliver quality services, participate in peacebuilding and economic development, and respond to the needs of community members, thereby promoting inclusive governance, economic development, and social cohesion to prevent the spread of violent extremism and promote sustainable peace in Northern Ghana.