GCERF invests $3m to prevent violent extremism in Ghana

The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) has committed a three-million-dollar investment to support 11 civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana. This funding is dedicated to preventing violent extremism by targeting the underlying drivers of instability and radicalisation across the country. Announced during a Regional Community of Practice event in Accra, the initiative marks an expanded effort by the fund to engage directly with local communities to build resilience against extremist influences.

A primary focus of the investment is the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, which has been identified as a potential source of security concerns and community tensions. GCERF West Africa Regional Manager, Alessia Polidoro, explained that the fund aims to mitigate the drivers of radicalisation by addressing socio-economic issues linked to ASM. By focusing on the vulnerabilities within the mining sector, the programme seeks to prevent these environments from becoming recruitment grounds for extremist groups.

To achieve these objectives, GCERF is working to develop a robust preventive framework that includes raising community awareness about the risks of violent extremism. The investment will also facilitate the creation of decision-making platforms, allowing local residents to participate more actively in governance and conflict resolution. These efforts are designed to ensure that community-led solutions are at the forefront of Ghana's national security strategies.

Beyond immediate security interventions, the meeting in Accra highlighted the necessity of formalising the ASM sector to promote sustainable livelihoods and social stability. Stakeholders emphasised that effective conflict prevention requires deep cooperation between the government, CSOs, and local mining communities. By fostering economic security and formalising labour practices, the GCERF-backed projects aim to create long-term social cohesion and significantly reduce the appeal of radicalisation in vulnerable regions.