(Tamale, Ghana – July 22, 2024) The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has commenced the “Effective Communication for Defence & Security Actors in Preventing Violent Extremism Course” in Tamale, Ghana.
This initiative is part of the “Strengthening Community Resilience: Preventing Violent Extremism through Effective Communication” project, in partnership with the United States government. The project aims to prevent conflict and promote stability in coastal West African countries.
Background and Rationale
In recent years, West Africa has experienced a troubling increase in terrorism and violent extremist activities. Groups such as Boko Haram, JNIM, ISGS, and Ansarul Islam have destabilized the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin regions through numerous attacks. While military operations have been undertaken to counter these threats, the influence of these extremist groups has spread to coastal areas along the Gulf of Guinea, putting countries in this region at heightened risk.
Internal vulnerabilities such as weak border controls, the proliferation of small arms, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and the absence of effective state presence in border communities have exacerbated the threat. Addressing violent extremism requires a comprehensive approach involving inter-agency collaboration and the participation of local communities.
In response, KAIPTC has developed this course to enhance the capabilities of defence and security actors in preventing violent extremism through effective communication. The course focuses on fostering collaboration and inclusivity, recognizing the critical roles of local communities and civil organizations.
Course Objectives
The course aims to:
- Examine the nature and impact of violent extremism in coastal West Africa, with a focus on Ghana.
- Analyze the drivers and root causes of radicalization and recruitment in Ghana.
- Discuss the role of communication in preventing extremist ideologies and promoting inclusive narratives.
- Develop practical skills in crafting and delivering gender-sensitive communication strategies for preventing violent extremism.
Target Participants
The course is designed for Ghanaian defence and security sector actors, including military personnel, police officers, immigration officers, fire service personnel, prison officers, and intelligence unit personnel, particularly those engaging with civil society and local communities in border regions.
Course Duration
The course is being held from July 22 to July 26, 2024, in Tamale, Ghana.
Remarks from the Opening Ceremony
Col. Anorph Akanbong, Director of Training at KAIPTC, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of the course in addressing the multifaceted challenges of violent extremism and terrorism, which threaten regional security and the social fabric of communities. Col. Akanbong highlighted the course’s focus on effective communication strategies tailored to the unique challenges of coastal West Africa.
He expressed gratitude to the U.S. government and the U.S. Embassy in Ghana for their sponsorship, underscoring the significance of their support in enhancing collective security efforts. Col. Akanbong encouraged participants to actively engage in the course and apply the knowledge gained to foster peace and security in the region.
Ms. Kaitlin Kitchen, representing the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted the critical partnership with KAIPTC. She noted KAIPTC’s significant contribution to global peace and security, mentioning that over 2600 Ghanaian peacekeepers have been deployed worldwide. Ms. Kitchen emphasized that the new initiative aims to strengthen relationships between security forces and local communities, enhancing efforts to prevent violent extremism.