According to ghana news agency:aking, and leadership. This initiative is part of the 'Enhancing Social Cohesion and Social Contract, Through the Empowerment of Women and Youth in three Northern Regions of Ghana' project, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) through the UNDP and UNFPA.
Participants from PBF communities such as Oli, Kpilla, and Dorimon in the Wa West District, and Jeffisi, Fielemo, and Zini in the Sissala West District, along with youth groups and political party representatives, took part in the engagement. The program provided a platform for selected women and youth to learn about community mobilisation, activism, networking, and coalition building.
The engagement also aimed to expose participants to non-violent political participation, civic engagement practices, policy influencing strategies, and promoting social cohesion, peace, and security. Mr Freeman Kanton, Executive Director of CARO-Ghana, emphasized the engagement was driven by growing apathy and low participation of youth and women in local governance processes. "The youth constitute the majority of our population, yet their voices are missing in key decision-making processes. This training is therefore to build your capacity to participate meaningfully and hold duty bearers accountable," he explained.
Mr Eric Doe, Programmes Officer at CDD-Ghana, Tamale office, highlighted the vital role of young people in ensuring good governance and sustainable development, addressing issues like unemployment and conflicts. He noted that local government structures should enhance citizens' participation in local governance, which helps build consensus, enhance public trust, and ensure decisions reflect community needs.
Participants were educated on civic and political rights, responsibilities of Ghanaian citizens, preventing violent extremism, non-violent political engagement, peace, and security. Mr Victor Nuworkpor, Upper West Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), emphasized the necessity of active citizenship for sustainable democracy, stating that citizens can shape government through running for office or advocacy.
Youth leader Mr Salifu Anas from Dorimon praised CDD-Ghana and its partners for engaging young people, strengthening community participation in governance. He noted the engagement empowered them to monitor community development needs and hold duty bearers accountable.
The project aims to prevent and address the root causes of localised and spillover conflicts and vulnerabilities to violent extremism in northern Ghana.
