KAIPTC, National Peace Council move to bridge civilian-security trust deficit to counter violent extremism

The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and the National Peace Council (NPC) have partnered to address the trust deficit between civilians and state security agencies, with the aim of counteracting violent extremism. The initiative is part of the "Strengthening Civilian-Security Trust and Community Resilience for Preventing Violent Extremism" program.

The collaborative workshop, held in Wa, Ghana, saw the participation of 45 individuals from various sectors, including state security officers, local government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, persons with disabilities, and representatives from the Fulbe community. Lt. Col. James Bampoe Palmer, the Commanding Officer of the 10 Mechanised Battalion, emphasized the importance of trust and relationships in ensuring peace, stating that military training alone is insufficient.

He highlighted that sustainable prevention is achieved when communities gain resilience, youth have faith in state institutions, and marginalized groups are involved in local decision-making. Frank Wilson Bodza, Director of Conflict Management and Resolution at the National Peace Council, further emphasized that the civilian population acts as a crucial intelligence asset for security agencies.

Three key outcomes are expected from the project, which targets the Upper West, Savannah, North East, and Upper East Regions. These outcomes include training individuals to facilitate community engagement, developing localized security action plans, and strengthening existing frameworks.