Tamale: The National Peace Council has held a regional dialogue in Tamale aimed at improving civilian-security relations to prevent violent extremism in the country. The day’s event sought to explore and adopt cogent strategies for building, sustaining, and improving civilian-security relations for preventing violent extremism in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the dialogue was organised in partnership with Catholic Relief Services and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre under the second phase of the Netherlands Embassy-supported Preventing Violent Extremism through Social Accountability project. Participants were drawn from security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and the National Intelligence Bureau, as well as youth groups, religious leaders, and members of the media.
Participants were sensitised on the prevailing conflict dynamics in the northern part of the country, root causes, and impact. Discussions also focused on trust-building between civilians and security personnel, existing challenges, and potential strategies to mitigate them.
Mr. Frank Wilson Bodza, Deputy Director for Conflict Management and Resolution, National Peace Council, speaking during the dialogue, emphasised the Council’s mandate to foster collaboration between civilians and security agencies to promote sustainable peace. He said the dialogue was to develop actionable resolutions for preventing violent extremism and strengthening social cohesion by enabling communities to redirect their resources and expertise towards meaningful development initiatives.
Reverend Father Thaddeus Kuusah, Executive Secretary, Northern Regional Peace Council, speaking on trust-building, emphasised that trust was not a myth but a deliberate and inclusive process that required engagement, fairness, and collaboration. He noted, “Trust-building is a challenging but achievable reality in Ghana, especially in conflict-affected regions. It demands sustained effort, accountability, and active civilian involvement. Without these, mistrust will persist and the notion of a true partnership between civilians and security agencies will remain elusive.”
Participants expressed the need for awareness and sensitisation exercises, especially at the community level, for citizens to appreciate the need for cordial working relations between them and the security agencies for peaceful coexistence. They pledged their continued support and commitment to promoting peace at all levels of society.