By Eunice R. Agbenyadzi      

        What if peacebuilding is not about only security?

Across northern Ghana, communities are sending a powerful message: they do not seek violence; they seek the dignity of work and the means to provide for themselves and their families. This call challenges us to rethink peacebuilding and conflict prevention, not as a matter of security alone, but as a matter of development, dignity and inclusion. Communities’ resilience will be fully realized when opportunities for jobs and livelihoods are scaled up, and social integration and cohesion are placed at the heart of efforts to build enduring peace.

Violent extremism is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional threat that extends beyond security and law enforcement (Government of Ghana, 2019[1]; STAR-Ghana Foundation, 2021[2]). In Ghana, the risk of extremist recruitment is shaped by a complex mix of socio-economic, cultural, and informational factors. While Ghana faces the threat of violent extremism nationwide, the risks are particularly acute in the northern regions. In these areas, vulnerability is heightened by persistently high unemployment and poverty rates (UNDP, 2023[3]), unresolved local conflicts, low digital literacy[4] and a weak state presence, especially in border zones and certain mining communities. The quality of governance cannot be overlooked. Good governance is only as strong as its inclusiveness. When particular groups are shut out of decision-making or denied its benefits, it feeds the belief that democracy and its institutions are distant, unresponsive, or irrelevant to their lives. These factors combine to create an environment where extremist influence can easily take root.

Yet beneath the fragility lies aspiration. Communities, including young people, desire not to be trapped in cycles of poverty or used as pawns in violent conflicts. They want pathways into dignified work, entrepreneurship, and participation in decision-making. By addressing these aspirations, Ghana has an opportunity to strengthen peace and security from the ground up.

Recent evidence[5] offers valuable insights into how communities perceive these threats, their own vulnerabilities, and the pathways toward resilience.

Communities value peace, but remain exposed

Survey results indicate that communities strongly value peace and tend to disagree with the use of violence for achieving goals. This provides a solid foundation for PVE efforts, as it reflects a broad rejection of violent tactics associated with extremist ideologies, in a context where awareness of violent extremism is high. A majority (62.4%) of respondents, especially youth (87.2%) are familiar with the term, often associating it with insurgent groups such as Boko Haram. This combination of valuing peace and being cognizant of extremist threats underscores the need for proactive interventions that promote non-violent approaches.

Recruitment drivers: material incentives and economic hardships

Material incentives remain a major concern, with over 70% of respondents identifying them as a key lure used by extremist recruiters. In a context where poverty (84.0%) and unemployment (76.0%) are widespread, such incentives can be highly persuasive. Young people and marginalized groups are particularly at risk, as economic exclusion deepens frustration and vulnerability. Addressing these structural drivers is essential: peace cannot be sustained where livelihoods are absent, and dignity is denied.

Community engagement: A foundation to strengthen

Encouragingly, levels of community engagement are moderately strong. About 61.7% of respondents, particularly youth and adult women, reported participating in awareness-raising activities against violent extremism. This suggests that local ownership and civic engagement exist and can be further nurtured. However, readiness to prevent or respond to extremist incidents remains low. Only 28.1% believe their communities are adequately prepared to handle extremist threats. While 59.4% know whom to contact during an incident, awareness is notably lower among minority populations such as Fulbe communities (46.3%) and refugees (50.0%). These gaps indicate that while engagement is growing, preparedness must be deepened, and inclusivity strengthened.

Digital vulnerability

In a context where extremist propaganda often spreads online, digital literacy is a critical line of defense. Yet only 28.1% of respondents reported access to digital platforms, and just 7.2% were aware of trusted prevention of violent extremism (PVE) information sources online. Alarmingly, three out of four respondents (74.1%) admitted they do not verify the credibility of information before sharing. This lack of digital resilience presents fertile ground for misinformation, disinformation, and extremist narratives to take root. Investing in digital literacy, fact-checking skills, and accessible online resources is vital for prevention.

A systems lens to resilience?

The findings clearly demonstrate that no single intervention is sufficient. For PVE efforts to be effective, a holistic approach is required, one that connects peace and security with development, governance, and social inclusion.

What must be prioritized?

• Strengthening livelihoods and employment as core strategies to reduce economic vulnerabilities. Employment and livelihoods are more than economic needs. They are peaceful dividends. When young men and women have access to decent work, they are less likely to be drawn into violence and more likely to contribute to stability in their communities. Investment in entrepreneurship, including digital are already proving to be practical entry points. Beyond providing income, these initiatives foster social cohesion by bringing diverse groups together to collaborate and build their futures.
• Expanding digital literacy and access to credible online information, particularly for youth in at risk communities. Innovative approaches like community digital hubs and mobile pop-up training vans can spark curiosity and equip people with essential digital and critical-thinking skills.
• Building community preparedness systems that are inclusive of typical groups at risk of exclusion, such as refugees, women and Fulbe.
• Promoting good governance. Communities want more than token consultation. They want genuine inclusion. They long to see how their voices shape how decisions are made, resources are allocated, and leaders are held to account. Promoting good governance requires creating real and functioning channels for participation such as citizen town halls and open district planning sessions. It means transparency and feedback loops so communities can see how their suggestions and recommendations lead to action. When citizens’ voices count in how they are governed locally and nationally, it can lead to trust growing, conflict decreasing, and development outcomes improving.
• Deepening civic engagement and dialogue to reinforce communities’ rejection of violence and strengthen trust in non-violent approaches. Fostering a strong civic culture, where people believe conflicts can be resolved without bloodshed, and public institutions will listen, and respond is a frontline strategy do deepen. Increased investment in civic engagement can also help to challenge misinformation, counter extremist  narratives, and mitigate grievances before they fester into violent action.

Not just security, but development, dignity and inclusion

The data paints a clear picture: communities want peace, not violence. But exclusion, poverty, unemployment and misinformation create cracks that extremist organizations can exploit. Moreover, the absence of opportunities in communities and among young people can breed insecurity. By adopting a whole-of-society approach to security, Ghana has an opportunity not only to reduce vulnerability but to strengthen the resilience, dignity, and agency of its people. A whole-of-society orientation to security will chart a path where communities are not defined by fragility but by their capacity to thrive in peace and dignity.

 References 

[1] Government of Ghana (2019). National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Ghana. Republic of Ghana.

[2] STAR-Ghana Foundation (2022). Roadmap for Peace and Development in Northern Ghana.

[3] United Nations Development Programme. (2023). Vulnerability Assessment on the Threats of Violent Extremism and Radicalisation in Northern Regions of Ghana. Accessed from https://www.undp.

[4] STAR-Ghana Foundation (2025). Baseline Report for Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Project.

[5] STAR-Ghana Foundation (2025). Baseline for Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism in Upper West and Upper East Regions.

[6] The baseline survey reached a total of 4,550 people in 707 households across 7 border communities in Upper West and Upper East regions of Ghana. The survey was complemented with 76 Key Informant Interviews in same communities.