With a goal of strengthening national and regional efforts against violent extremism and instability, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) is taking proactive steps through its Directorate of Governance, Justice and Peace by forming new partnerships with key government stakeholders.
Fr. Michael Quaicoe, Director of Governance, Justice and Peace at the National Catholic Secretariat, recently led a delegation to meet with Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, to discuss collaboration opportunities as part of the broader Sahel Peace Initiative (SPI).
The broader Sahel Peace Initiative
In an interview with Vatican News, Fr. Quaicoe highlighted the importance of engaging with governmental and non-governmental actors to raise awareness about security threats in the sub-region and mobilize collective action.
The Sahel Peace Initiative aims to promote peace, security, and social cohesion in West Africa amidst rising threats from violent extremism, radicalisation, and terrorism. Ghana, while relatively stable, remains vulnerable to security threats from its northern neighbors, emphasizing the need for proactive partnerships.
Fr. Quaicoe stressed the importance of a united response, stating, “We want to bring our resources and ideas to bear, and work with both government and civil society to overcome this surge of violent extremism.”
Youth unemployment and disenfranchisement
As part of the SPI in Ghana, the formation of a National Forum on Security has provided a platform for the Bishops’ Conference to engage on broader security and governance issues. The upcoming National Forum, scheduled for 15 July, will focus on “The Political Economy of Conflict: Exploring Youth Unemployment as a Catalyst for Building Stability.”
This theme underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity, particularly economic disenfranchisement among youth, in achieving long-term peace.
“This is part of our broader commitment to contribute to the government’s responsibility of keeping our borders secure and building a peaceful society,” Fr. Quaicoe affirmed.
Through initiatives like the SPI and the National Security Forum, the Bishops’ Conference remains dedicated to promoting peace not only within Ghana but also across the troubled Sahel region.
