Damongo: The Catholic Relief Service (CRS), in collaboration with the Savannah Region Peace Council, has conducted a regional stakeholders’ dialogue aimed at enhancing civilian-security relations and preventing violent extremism within the country. The event focused on discussing practical measures to improve conflict resolution and maintain peace across the Savannah Region and beyond.

According to Ghana News Agency, this event is part of a series of activities under the second phase of the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (PoVETSA II) project, which is funded by the Netherlands Embassy. Ms. Adelaide Yiriyelleh, Manager of the PoVETSA II project at CRS, emphasized during the event in Damongo that the goal was to foster civilian-security trust and promote positive relations to prevent violent extremism.

Participants, including security agencies and other stakeholders, identified several causes of mistrust between civilians and security agencies. They pointed out issues such as false information, lack of commitment by security agencies, unfair resource distribution, intimidation by some security officers, and autocratic traditional leadership as contributing factors.

The stakeholders highlighted the necessity for ongoing engagement and collaboration between security agencies and the citizenry to improve relations and prevent conflict.