As part of efforts to bolster community resilience against violent extremism, CSD Reform has launched the Community Resilience Against Violent Extremism (CRAVE) for Inclusive Development project in the Karaga District. The six-month initiative, which targets three communities—Tong, Sung, and Nangun Nayili—aims to empower youth through positive and peaceful masculinity practices. It also seeks to enhance security by fostering collaboration between local communities and the Ghana Police Service through community policing principles
Promoting Social Cohesion and Security
Speaking at the project launch, David Yiridong Issaka, Executive Director of CSD Reform, emphasised that the initiative, which began in December last year, is designed to reduce young people’s vulnerability to recruitment by violent extremist organisations. “Through social cohesion initiatives and strategic interventions, we aim to address the factors that make young people susceptible to extremist recruitment,” he stated. He further explained that the project would facilitate trauma healing, psychosocial support, and community dialogues to strengthen peaceful coexistence, particularly among minority ethnic groups in the area.
The project, funded by the European Union through COGINTA Ghana, falls under the broader Preventing Violent Extremism and Supporting Peacebuilding in the Northern Border Regions of Ghana initiative.
Superintendent Peter Adjei, Karaga District Police Commander, commended the project, stating that it aligns with the Ghana Police Service’s community policing approach. “This initiative will deepen community-police relations and significantly contribute to crime prevention and law enforcement in the district,” he affirmed.
Alhaji Seidu Musah, Leader of the Fulbe community in Karaga, also lauded the project, pledging the community’s support for its successful implementation. “This project is a step in the right direction. We will work closely with CSD Reform and other stakeholders to ensure its impact is felt across our communities,” he assured.
With growing security concerns in Ghana’s northern border regions, the CRAVE project is expected to play a critical role in fostering peace, inclusion, and resilience against the spread of violent extremism.