Across the fragile borderlands of northern Ghana, communities face intersecting challenges of insecurity, climate stress, and social marginalization, which make them vulnerable to violent extremism. Yet these same communities possess significant potential for peace when supported with the right tools, resources, and opportunities to shape their own future. With the catalytic support of Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea through UNDP’s Funding Windows, local women, youth, and institutions are redefining community-driven peacebuilding by strengthening social cohesion, expanding economic opportunities, and addressing the root causes of conflict.
Youth in these border communities are emerging as key peace ambassadors. Often unemployed or excluded from decision-making, young people are particularly vulnerable to recruitment by extremist networks in the Gulf of Guinea region. Through targeted interventions, they have gained skills to identify early warning signs, counter hate speech, and prevent radicalization among peers. Local-language radio programs reaching more than 72,000 listeners have also helped raise awareness about misinformation and extremist tactics. Youth leaders like Alhassan Dasmani in Tempane have reported transformative impacts, highlighting how education, vigilance, and opportunities empower them to foster safer communities.
Economic stability is another critical factor in reducing vulnerability to extremism. UNDP-supported projects in northern Ghana are helping women farmers increase their resilience and incomes. Solar-powered water systems allow year-round cultivation, while training in climate-smart agriculture and provision of seeds and inputs help women like Faustina in Yipala grow vegetables for local markets. These interventions strengthen household incomes, food security, and community cohesion, reducing the social and economic factors that extremist groups exploit.
Strengthening local institutions complements community engagement. District assemblies, security agencies, and civil society organizations have received training in conflict prevention, while local surveillance and mobility support has enhanced border monitoring and early warning capacities. At the national level, institutions such as the Ghana Peace Council and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons have improved their technical and operational capabilities, bolstering efforts to prevent conflict and curb the illicit spread of arms.
The rapid and flexible deployment of Funding Windows resources amplifies the impact of these initiatives. By enabling women to lead, youth to rise, and institutions to respond effectively, the combined investments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea are fostering a more peaceful, cohesive, and resilient northern Ghana. As one peace agent in Natenga stated, “When we work together, extremists have no place among us.”
