[{"bbox": [96, 152, 1134, 314], "category": "Text", "text": "(2016), and the 2020 Counter-Terrorism Agenda for the EU. It also supports the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES). These frameworks provide the overarching direction for EU efforts to enhance security and stability globally. Furthermore, the action is in line with the 2016 Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism of the United Nations Secretary-General, demonstrating alignment with broader international efforts to address security challenges. By contributing to enhancing security and building stability, the action also supports the objectives of the Global Gateway Strategy, which seeks to promote peace through strategic investments."}, {"bbox": [96, 337, 1134, 499], "category": "Text", "text": "At the national level, the action is fully aligned with national priorities as outlined in key policy documents such as the National Security Strategy (NSS), the National Border Security Strategy, and the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism (NAFPCVET). Additionally, it is supported by key legal frameworks including the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008 (Act 762), the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2008 (Act 749), and the Organised Crime Act of 2010, the Arms and Ammunition Act, and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons Act."}, {"bbox": [85, 552, 356, 584], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.2 Problem Analysis"}, {"bbox": [96, 599, 318, 627], "category": "Text", "text": "Short problem analysis:"}, {"bbox": [96, 652, 1134, 786], "category": "Text", "text": "There is a growing concern that instability in the Western Sahel could spread beyond the region. Ghana has long been praised as a beacon of stability and democracy in West Africa. However, external and internal drivers have been threatening the country's positive trajectory. While instability beyond Ghana's porous borders certainly represents a serious threat, poverty, marginalisation, and weak local governance structures are underlying threats that deserve equal attention²⁰."}, {"bbox": [96, 801, 1134, 936], "category": "Text", "text": "Challenges such as chieftaincy-related issues, disputes over land rights, political vigilantism, inter-religious tensions, intra-Islamic conflicts, and clashes between farmers and herders persist. These issues strain the capacity of law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order. Moreover, firearms trafficking, and the influx of people crossing the porous border from Burkina Faso into Ghana exacerbate existing tensions and present additional challenges."}, {"bbox": [96, 950, 1134, 1109], "category": "Text", "text": "**SO1.** Ghana has a decentralised security architecture comprising entities spanning national, regional, and district levels. At the national level the Ministry of National Security serves as a central coordinating body established to ensure security coordination in accordance with the Ghana National Security Strategy, expected to undergo revision in the course of 2025, and in charge of the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Ghana (NAFPCVET), which aims to prevent, pre-empt, protect and respond to terrorist attacks."}, {"bbox": [96, 1134, 1134, 1242], "category": "Text", "text": "Recognising the imperative for synchronized action, Counter Terrorism Committees are to be established within the Regional, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Security Councils. These committees play a pivotal role in advising the government on strategies to combat violent extremism and terrorism, advocating for a comprehensive approach that engages both governmental and societal stakeholders."}, {"bbox": [96, 1265, 1134, 1533], "category": "Text", "text": "Within this framework, the primary focus of SO1 activities is to bolster the capabilities of security forces, in close cooperation with the CSDP Initiative. This entails a multifaceted approach encompassing assistance in assisting in the formulation, revision, implementation and monitoring of laws, policies, strategies and action plans, supporting in the organisation of training, procuring equipment, including in risk-prone areas, where populations have been forcibly displaced, and supporting the coordination and sharing of information among security forces. Such concerted efforts aim to enhance Ghana's security apparatus, strengthening security and fostering a more robust defence against the evolving threats posed by violent extremism and terrorism. SO1 activities will also include the coordination of the entire programme, the functioning of the Programme Steering Committee Secretariat, the provision of technical advice and assistance to all stakeholders, thus maximising complementarities across the three specific objectives."}, {"bbox": [85, 1596, 1142, 1647], "category": "Footnote", "text": "²⁰ National Commission on Civic Education (2022). Baseline study on preventing and containing violent extremism in eight regions in the Northern part of Ghana."}, {"bbox": [1037, 1681, 1143, 1707], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 6 of 30"}]