In Damongo, March 24, 2025, The Savannah Regional Peace Council, in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), organized a crucial training program on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) for security sector actors in Damongo. The workshop, held at the Unity Centre, was part of the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (POVETSA II), the second phase of the project, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Leviel George Dery, Programmes Manager of the Savannah Regional Peace Council, in his welcome address on behalf of the Regional Executive Secretary, highlighted the critical role of peace and security in sustainable development. He emphasized that Ghana, despite being regarded as a beacon of peace in the West Africa Region, continues to grapple with various conflicts, including chieftaincy disputes, land disputes, and farmer-herder conflicts.
He stressed the need for improved collaboration between civilians and security agencies to prevent human rights abuses and strengthen efforts against violent extremism.
“Our individual efforts must be harnessed and coordinated to protect the territorial integrity of our state. Effective collaboration between civilians and security personnel is key to timely information sharing and proactive security responses,” Mr. Dery stated.
The POVETSA II Project Manager at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Adelaide Yiriyelleh, provided insights into the project’s objectives, stating that the training aligns with the broader goal of fostering trust between civilians and security services to prevent violent extremism. She revealed that the initiative is being implemented across six regions, Savannah, Upper West, Upper East, North East, Northern, and Greater Accra, bringing together security personnel from various agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prison Service, and the National Intelligence Bureau.
“The training seeks to engage a total of 150 security personnel across the five northern regions. We aim to enhance their understanding of their duty to protect while ensuring that security measures respect human rights and build community trust,” Ms. Yiriyelleh explained.
Speaking on behalf of the National Peace Council, Mr. Alexander Koomson, Deputy Director of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation, underscored the urgency of strengthening Ghana’s resilience against violent extremism, given the escalating threats in the Sahel region. He pointed out that although Ghana has not experienced a direct extremist attack, the risks remain high, necessitating proactive measures.
“We appreciate the importance of equipping our security personnel with the necessary skills to prevent violent extremism. This initiative is a vital step in ensuring that security efforts become a joint responsibility between law enforcement and the citizenry,” Mr. Koomson stated.
He also highlighted the impact of previous project activities, including training for journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting. According to him, media personnel in the targeted regions have demonstrated greater responsibility in their coverage of conflict-related issues, helping to reduce inflammatory narratives and misinformation.
As the training progresses, organizers expressed optimism that the knowledge gained will enhance security-community relations and contribute to Ghana’s long-term peace and stability. They further urged citizens to trust and collaborate with security agencies in addressing emerging security threats.
A call was made for continued partnership and support from stakeholders to expand the initiative beyond the five targeted regions, ensuring nationwide security preparedness against potential threats.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Gogu Edwin/0555588660
