A two-day workshop aimed at strengthening civilian-security trust and community resilience in preventing violent extremism organised by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in Ghana, took place on 6th to 7th October 2026 at the Regional Coordinating Council Conference Hall in Damongo in the Savannah Region.
It brought together relevant stakeholders to discuss ways of improving cooperation between civilians and security agencies in addressing emerging security threats. The workshop focuses on building trust, improving communication and strengthening the ability of communities to prevent and respond to violent extremism. It also seeks to promote stronger relationships between security personnel and community members, recognising that effective security depends on the active participation and cooperation of civilians.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Augustine Owusu, Head of the Peace and Security Studies Programme at KAIPTC, observed that the threat of violent extremism is said to be moving closer to the country, with some people suspecting it is already present. He described the workshop as one of the first steps toward building community resilience against violent extremism and terrorism.
“We only have one Ghana, and our peace shouldn’t be taken for granted,” he stressed, adding that Ghana is a very peaceful country, but that preserving the peace requires constant work.
(Cue Audio of Mr. Augustine Owusu)
Also speaking, the Deputy Ambassador of Spain to Ghana, Ms. Isabel Ibarra, said the workshop, financed by the Spanish Government, is organised with KAIPTC and the National Peace Council. She said Spain believes in preventing violent extremism rather than only reacting after it occurs.
According to her, the threats in the Sahel are very close to Ghana, and although the country has so far not been directly affected, Spain wishes for that to remain the case. She said trust and communication must come first in communities so that stability can be achieved in the country and, ultimately, in the wider region.
(Cue Audio of Ms Isabel Ibarra)
The two-day engagement offers participants the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges and identify practical approaches to building resilient communities and promoting peace and stability. It forms part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration between communities and security institutions in preventing violent extremism.
The programme emphasised that strengthening security is a shared responsibility, and that by working together and addressing community concerns, stakeholders can help build a safer, more peaceful and resilient Savannah Region.
