Savannah Region: Women and Youth Empowered to Counter Hate Speech and Prevent Violent Extremism

The Savannah Regional Peace Council, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and co-funding from the Embassies of Norway and Denmark, has successfully implemented a two-day dialogue and training programme aimed at strengthening community resilience against violent extremism in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.

The initiative, held from 13th to 18th April 2026 across the communities of Don-arayiri, Chieyiri, and Jang, focused on equipping women and youth groups with the knowledge and skills to counter hate speech, misinformation, and divisive narratives. The programme forms part of broader efforts under the Atlantic Corridor initiative to prevent and respond to violent extremism in high-risk communities.

The training emphasized the critical role of women and youth as peace ambassadors and positive influencers within their communities. Participants were empowered to identify, challenge, and prevent the spread of harmful narratives both online and offline, while promoting accurate and constructive messaging that fosters unity and social cohesion.

Key sessions covered topics such as understanding conflict and its management, the nature and impact of hate speech and misinformation, and the link between divisive narratives and violent extremism. Participants were also introduced to the legal frameworks governing hate speech in Ghana, as well as practical approaches to strengthening early warning and conflict prevention mechanisms through responsible digital engagement.

The programme further encouraged inclusive dialogue and collaboration among community members, contributing to improved inter-ethnic trust and cooperation. By strengthening the capacity of local actors, the initiative aims to reduce vulnerability to extremist influence and enhance community-led peacebuilding efforts.

Over 150 participants from Jang, Don-arayiri, and Chieyiri benefited from the training, marking a significant step toward building informed, resilient, and cohesive communities in the Savannah Region.

This intervention underscores the importance of grassroots engagement in addressing emerging security threats and highlights the vital role of community members—especially women and youth in safeguarding peace and stability.