A recent peacebuilding workshop in Bolgatanga, Ghana, brought together stakeholders to discuss emerging security challenges in the Upper East Region, including drug abuse, cross-border security concerns, and the threat of violent extremism. The workshop, organised by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and the National Peace Council (NPC), with support from the Embassy of Spain in Ghana, aimed to strengthen civilian security, trust, and community resilience.
Participants at the workshop emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to address these challenges. They stressed that improving civilian security, rebuilding public trust, and creating opportunities for young people were essential to preventing violence and strengthening community resilience. The discussions highlighted the importance of combining law enforcement with community education, parental involvement, rehabilitation support, and youth empowerment initiatives.
The workshop also highlighted concerns about drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, and the need for effective management of cross-border movements and activities. Participants discussed the potential consequences of drug abuse for young people's health, education, and livelihoods, as well as the risks of their involvement in criminal activities. Stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of foreign nationals to trade, investment, and community development, while stressing that security measures must be implemented without discrimination or unfair targeting based on nationality.
Rebuilding trust between civilians and security agencies was also emphasised as crucial to encouraging information sharing and cooperation in preventing crime and violence. Participants noted that residents who felt safe and protected would be better positioned to engage in farming, trading, education, and other economic activities. Traditional authorities and opinion leaders were encouraged to use their influence within communities to promote dialogue, mediate disputes, and prevent disagreements from escalating into violence.
The discussions underscored the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people to reduce their vulnerability to drug abuse, criminal activities, and recruitment into violent extremist groups. Stakeholders called for responsible information sharing and urged residents to report suspicious activities through appropriate channels rather than spreading misinformation that could create fear or hostility towards particular groups.
Security agencies were encouraged to strengthen public confidence through professionalism, accountability, and respectful engagement with civilians. The workshop reinforced the need for a collective approach to peacebuilding involving security institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, government agencies, women, youth, and local communities. It also highlighted the importance of addressing socioeconomic conditions that contribute to insecurity, alongside strengthening border management and community-based conflict prevention.
The engagement formed part of efforts by KAIPTC and the National Peace Council, with support from the Embassy of Spain, to strengthen civilian security and build resilient communities capable of preventing violence and sustaining peace in the Upper East Region. The workshop's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of practical approaches to addressing emerging security threats in the region.
Key points
- Stakeholders emphasise the need for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to address emerging security challenges in the Upper East Region.
- The workshop highlighted concerns about drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, and the need for effective management of cross-border movements and activities.
- Rebuilding trust between civilians and security agencies was emphasised as crucial to encouraging information sharing and cooperation in preventing crime and violence.
