Unemployment main driver of violent extremism in northern Ghana - Research reveals

A new study by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in collaboration with the National Peace Council, has identified youth unemployment, poverty, weak governance and social exclusion as the major factors increasing the vulnerability of communities in northern Ghana to violent extremism, despite the country remaining largely peaceful.

The research, conducted across the five northern regions, found that 86 per cent of respondents identified youth unemployment as the single biggest driver of vulnerability to violent extremism, underscoring the strong connection between economic exclusion and insecurity.

The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, said although Ghana had remained largely insulated from terrorist attacks, the country's proximity to the volatile Sahel required sustained vigilance and stronger collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional and religious authorities, civil society organisations and local communities to prevent violent extremism.