[{"bbox": [96, 153, 1135, 266], "category": "Text", "text": "education, health) and to employment opportunities, with an increased pressure on already limited resources, and food systems, thus increasing the risk of conflicts. Moreover, Fulani herders, whose presence amongst the forced displacement populations exceed 70% in certain districts, experience various forms of discrimination. Media have, in some cases, become conduits for amplification of misinformation."}, {"bbox": [96, 282, 1135, 445], "category": "Text", "text": "The stigmatisation of minority groups, including Fulani herders, has enhanced their responsiveness to the propaganda activities of terrorist organisations, exploited by international armed groups and extremists. Prominent members of civil society and security forces warn against the risks that the stigmatisation of minorities may have on the polarisation of Ghanaian society and radicalisation. However, cases of discriminatory behaviour and excessive use of force have been reported, and documented, by the media. Sensitization and education are essential to break down stereotypes and prejudices, leading to greater tolerance, critical thinking, and social cohesion."}, {"bbox": [96, 467, 1135, 682], "category": "Text", "text": "In the past, Ghanaians have been reported to have joined terrorist organisations, namely JNIM affiliated groups³⁷. While Ghana's Northern Regions are considered the most at risk, students from Accra based tertiary institutions have also been targeted, indicating that radicalisation is not an issue limited to the northern border. As youth unemployment rates have increased³⁸ and socio-economic marginalisation among young generations is widespread, youths are particularly exposed to radicalization risks, making them susceptible to manipulation and involvement in violent extremism. Women's involvement in violent extremism is a multifacted and complex phenomenon. In most communities, women play multiple roles. Women living in areas affected by violent extremism are more prone to be victims of gender-based violence, including sexual violence."}, {"bbox": [96, 693, 1135, 854], "category": "Text", "text": "Ghana can count on national authorities and traditional structures to promote mediation, peacebuilding, and prevent violent extremism. The Regional Coordinating Councils, (RCCs) have the role to coordinate all activities in the region to ensure a unity of purpose. The National and Regional Peace Councils serve as independent state mechanisms aimed at facilitating conflict prevention, resolution, and the establishment of sustainable peace, while the National Center for Coordination of Early Warning and Response Mechanism (NCCRM) is tasked with coordinating and managing early warning systems and response mechanisms."}, {"bbox": [96, 864, 1135, 1105], "category": "Text", "text": "Traditional structures, such as the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, are at the heart of chieftaincy-related conflict resolution and mediation, and are essential to ensure security and delivering justice, particularly in rural communities. Women have recently been formally incorporated into the chieftaincy institution through the role of Queen Mothers, and their presence seems to have a significant impact on women's rights, access to land and their participation in peacebuilding and violence prevention. Religious leaders, traditional leaders, including queen mothers and chiefs, civil society representatives, community leaders, youth leaders, and women leaders play vital roles in promoting peaceful coexistence throughout the country. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the Ministry of National Security (MNS), the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) also bear responsibility for preventing violent extremism."}, {"bbox": [96, 1129, 1135, 1345], "category": "Text", "text": "In order to foster collaboration, trust building, and communication between the police and local communities, the Ghana Police Service established the Community Policing Unit in 2002 and an ad-hoc strategy (The Ghana Police Service Enhancing Visibility and Community Policing Strategy) that was last revised in 2022. The strategy has been piloted in a limited number of areas, working closely with both police officers and communities, and is being extended to other areas, with support from the EU-funded Peace Protect Project, which will end in July 2025. Further need for support is anticipated to expand the implementation and the community policing strategy, in Ghana's Northern Regions, and densely populated areas. More generally, cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities to prevent conflict, combat radicalism and violent extremism needs strengthening."}, {"bbox": [96, 1367, 1135, 1475], "category": "Text", "text": "Building upon the aforementioned points, this third component seeks to strengthen the capabilities of diverse actors in conflict prevention, early warning systems, and peacebuilding efforts. This involves enhancing collaboration among Ghanaian authorities, traditional authorities and civil society organisations, enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities, and provide support to mediation activities in conflict-prone areas."}, {"bbox": [85, 1500, 1143, 1549], "category": "Footnote", "text": "³⁷ Jihadist threat in Northern Ghana and Togo, p. 17. An analysis of Promediation based on data of in October 2021 estimated the number of Ghanaians who were members of JNIM at about 200."}, {"bbox": [84, 1549, 1143, 1647], "category": "Footnote", "text": "³⁸ On average, more than three-quarters (77.4%) of the total unemployed persons in the first three quarters of 2023 comprised the youth aged 15 to 35 years (1 374 329). Between the first three quarters of 2022 and the same period in 2023, youth unemployment increased by 14.6%. Ghana Statistical Service February 2024\nhttps://statsghana.gov.gh/gssmain/fileUpload/pressrelease/2023_Quarter_Labour_Statistics_Bulletin_full_report.pdf"}, {"bbox": [1037, 1681, 1144, 1706], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 9 of 30"}]