The Embassy of Spain in Ghana has called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities in the Upper East Region to prevent violent extremism, stressing that security operations alone cannot effectively address the threat.
According to the Embassy, building trust, strengthening social cohesion and involving women and young people in peacebuilding efforts are essential to protecting vulnerable communities against violent extremism.
Daniel Roelas, a representative of the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, made the call at a workshop organised by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and the National Peace Council (NPC), with support from the Embassy of Spain.
The workshop, held at the TAP Hotel in Bolgatanga, focused on strengthening civilian security, trust and community resilience to prevent violent extremism.
“Preventing violent extremism requires not just a security response. It demands strong community resilience, mutual trust, social cohesion and the active participation of all members of society, especially women and young people,” Mr Roelas stated.
He said effective prevention required collaboration among security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and local communities to identify and address emerging security threats.
Mr Roelas stressed that residents must feel safe and confident in their relationships with security institutions to share information that could help prevent potential threats.
He reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian institutions and communities in strengthening peace, security and resilience.
Highlighting previous cooperation between the two countries, Mr Roelas said Spain supported a capacity-building project in 2022 aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of Ghana’s law enforcement agencies.
According to him, the project, implemented in coordination with Ghana’s national security institutions, involved approximately 30 workshops and benefited about 1,500 participants.
He said the initiative contributed to improving the capacity of security personnel in prevention, protection and response.
Mr Roelas further disclosed that Spain’s Ministry of the Interior remained committed to expanding security cooperation with Ghana.
He announced that a delegation of representatives from Ghanaian law enforcement agencies was expected to travel to Spain for further engagements and capacity-building activities.
He described cooperation between the two countries as important in responding to emerging security threats, including international organised crime and terrorism.
The Spanish representative also emphasised the importance of community participation in security decision-making, arguing that trust and effective information sharing were critical to identifying and preventing violent extremism.
The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss community-centred approaches to strengthening civilian security and resilience, particularly in communities considered vulnerable to violent extremism in the Upper East Region.
Mr Roelas commended KAIPTC, the National Peace Council and other partners for their collaboration in advancing peacebuilding and security initiatives.
He reiterated Spain’s commitment to supporting programmes that strengthen institutional capacity, promote community resilience and contribute to sustainable peace and security in Ghana.
