LocationsGhana Reviews National Framework to Strengthen Prevention of Violent Extremism
March 27, 2026
Participants actively engaging in discussions and sharing recommendations during the national forum reviewing Ghana’s counter-terrorism prevention framework.
Rising insecurity and violent extremist activity across parts of the Sahel and West Africa have heightened concerns for countries along the Gulf of Guinea, including Ghana. While the country has remained relatively stable, the growing spread of extremist networks, cross-border crime, and online radicalisation highlights the need for proactive and adaptive prevention strategies.
In response, the Government of Ghana, through the National Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre, convened a three-day public forum to review the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism (NAFPCVET) with support from the United Nations Development Programme.
The forum brought together representatives from government institutions, security agencies, parliament, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and development partners to assess the implementation of the framework since its adoption in 2019 and identify ways to strengthen Ghana’s preventive security architecture.
Strengthening prevention through partnership
Speaking at the forum, Shaima Hussein, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, emphasised that prevention strategies must evolve alongside emerging threats, including the growing misuse of digital platforms for recruitment and radicalisation.
"Violent extremism continues to evolve, and so must our responses. UNDP remains committed to supporting Ghana in strengthening prevention efforts, promoting inclusive development, and building resilient communities better equipped to withstand these risks."
Shaima Hussein, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, addressing participants during the review of Ghana’s National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism.
A national priority for peace and security
DCOP Osman Abdul Razak, National Security Coordinator, underscored the importance of collective action.
"The fight against violent extremism and terrorism requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. No single institution can address these threats alone. Prevention must remain our priority because responding to incidents after they occur is far more difficult."
He also stressed the need to strengthen coordination mechanisms and preparedness across national institutions to ensure effective responses to emerging threats.
Brigadier General Timothy Ba-Taa-Banah, Director of the Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre, noted that while Ghana's framework has received international recognition, implementation remains the central challenge.
"The strategy is strong. The challenge lies in translating ideas into practical actions on the ground."
He stressed that strengthening early warning systems and community engagement will be essential to addressing potential spill-over effects from instability in the Sahel.
Inclusive dialogue to address emerging threats
The forum also highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping Ghana’s prevention strategy and ensuring that responses remain grounded in the realities facing communities.
Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Chairperson of Parliament’s Security and Intelligence Committee, emphasised the need for broad stakeholder engagement.
“Preventing violent extremism requires broad stakeholder engagement so that our national strategies reflect the realities and evolving threats facing society. As we review this framework, every perspective matters in ensuring that Ghana remains peaceful, resilient, and prepared for the future.
We must also invest in opportunities for our youth and create an environment where they can thrive, because inclusive development is central to preventing radicalization and safeguarding our collective future.”
Her remarks highlighted the importance of linking security responses with inclusive development, youth empowerment, and community participation as part of Ghana's broader prevention strategy.
Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Security and Intelligence, addressing participants during the national forum reviewing Ghana’s National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism.
Key recommendations to strengthen the framework
At the conclusion of the forum, stakeholders outlined several recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s preventive architecture. These include enhancing coordination among institutions, improving early warning and response systems, and strengthening community resilience.
Participants also emphasised the importance of expanding public awareness campaigns through community dialogues, radio programmes and social media to counter extremist narratives and misinformation.
Additional recommendations included deploying advanced intelligence technologies to improve threat detection, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to address emerging digital threats, conducting regular security audits of critical infrastructure, and integrating gender-responsive approaches that strengthen the role of women in prevention, education and intelligence-gathering efforts.
Stakeholders also called for stronger community-based initiatives that encourage citizens to report suspicious activities through campaigns such as “See Something, Say Something.”
Partnering for Peace and Resilience
The forum forms part of UNDP's broader efforts to address the root causes of violent extremism through inclusive development, community engagement, and strengthened governance. Through partnerships with the Government of Ghana, the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, and government partners (Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Norway), UNDP continues to promote dialogue, resilience, and peacebuilding across communities, including through the Atlantic Corridor Initiative.
As Ghana moves forward, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the national framework remains responsive to evolving risks and capable of safeguarding the country's peace and stability.
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