The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), in partnership with RISE-Ghana, has organized a dialogue session with public service providers and stakeholders in Bolgatanga to discuss key challenges facing communities in the Upper East Region.
The event, held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Regional House of Chiefs Conference Hall, brought together representatives from security agencies, the media, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations.
The session formed part of a broader project being implemented across 15 districts in the Upper West, Upper East, and North East regions. The project seeks to strengthen community resilience, build capacities, and support peacebuilding initiatives. Findings from a baseline study were shared at the session, highlighting pressing issues such as crime and violence, access to public services, citizen participation, and risks of radicalization.
Healthcare, education, and water were identified as the top priorities for residents, with widespread demand for improvements in these sectors. Security, although ranking slightly lower in service preference, emerged as the strongest overall concern, with most participants emphasizing the need for greater vigilance to safeguard communities.
The study also revealed mixed perceptions regarding preparedness against violent extremism. While some communities collaborate with local radio stations to raise awareness and encourage vigilance, nearly half of respondents said they felt unprepared to deal with potential threats. “There are also some communities that have partnered with radio stations for sensitization. That is how we define awareness—through education and vigilance, not by using catapults or metals to counter them,” one respondent noted.
Youth unemployment and frustration were highlighted as major drivers of vulnerability to radicalization, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to engage and support young people. “We seek to achieve one national consensus for peace—that is our ultimate aim. In doing so, we want to bridge the gap and build mutual respect between law enforcers and community members so that we can all work toward the common goal of fighting the enemy. We also recognize that terrorist or radical groups often recruit from among frustrated youth,” another participant stressed.
Speaking to the media after his presentation, Paul Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, Programs Manager for Security Sector Governance at CDD-Ghana, emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities, built on mutual respect and trust. “I was encouraged today by the caliber of participants we had. From the media, we had representatives from print, online, and FM radio. From the security sector, we had the NIB, immigration, police, CID, and others,” he said.
He also acknowledged the crucial role of the media in shaping public perceptions and urged responsible reporting to promote peace and development. “I am impressed with the contributions made today. We will review our strategies, and of course, the media has a role to play. But some of your reportage and the images you publish can be problematic. You know the dangers of sharing certain pictures, as you were taught in your professional schools,” he added.
The initiative is supported by the Global Community Engagement Fund (GCEF), working in Ghana for the first time in collaboration with local partners including TAG Ghana, NOSAC in Tamale, and RISE-Ghana.
Also addressing the media, Naba Patrick Asaliya Ayimbila, Acting President of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, encouraged families and individuals to actively contribute to peace promotion within their communities.
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