EU pledges more support for Ghana to prevent spillover of violent extremism in the country

The European Union has pledged more support for Ghana as the country continues to mobilize resources to keep its borders safe from violent extremist groups.

The EU said it will continue to support Ghana with military equipment, intelligence gathering, and civil engineering to support the combat against violent extremism in the country.

EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly who made the pledge in Tamale on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the NORPREVSEC project noted that the general insecurity in the West African sub-region has made it important for Ghana's partners to step in to help prevent a spillover of such security threats in the country.

The four (4) year ‘Preventing Electoral Violence and Providing Security to the Northern Border Regions of Ghana’ (NORPREVSC) project came to an end on Wednesday after what stakeholders including the EU said was a successful project.

The project, funded by the European Union and implemented by International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), COGINTA, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) was aimed at preventing violent extremism and promoting community cohesion, especially in Northern Ghana.

The EU Ambassador said NORPREVSEC has been a cornerstone in strengthening Ghana’s security apparatus over the past four years with collaborative efforts to enhance Ghana’s capabilities in preventing terrorism and radicalisation.   He said although the project has ended, the EU currently has over 40 ongoing security-related projects all still aimed at keeping the country safe.

He said the provision of some military hardware to the country constituted the first phase of the EU's support package, noting that the second phase will follow soon.

"We have more than 40 ongoing projects related to security including providing military and defense equipment in the tune of 50 million euros.

The first phase of that has been translated in the handing over of 100 plus amoured vehicles to the Ghana Armed Forces and as we're speaking we're working on the next phase of that” he said.

Mr. Irchad Razaaly explained that the next phase “could be other types of equipment, intelligence gathering, civil engineering because it is very important that the military benefits from these types of equipment”.

NCCE Reflects on Achievements and Impact of NORPREVSEC Project in Northern Ghana:

The Chairperson of the NCCE, Kathleen Addy emphasized the role the commission played in educating communities about the growing threat of violent extremism, particularly in the border areas of Northern Ghana.

She noted that Ghana, positioned as a peaceful country in a region marred by coups and extremist attacks, faces heightened vulnerability, especially in its border communities.

She said through the project, the NCCE was able to create platforms where police commanders met with community members to discuss security needs and address mistrust.

These engagements, she added, have strengthened the bond between citizens and law enforcement, which is crucial in the fight against violent extremism.