Ghana is taking a leading role in addressing violent extremism in West Africa, announcing plans to convene a regional meeting to strengthen coordination and safeguard communities across the sub-region. The announcement was made by Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola.
“Ghana will convene a regional meeting on extremism because West Africa must act together to protect its people and its progress,” the Vice President said, highlighting the urgent need for a unified regional approach to tackle the growing threat of violent groups.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored that West Africa’s young and vibrant populations are key drivers of economic growth and development. However, challenges such as poverty, social exclusion, and pressure on limited resources have created conditions that extremists exploit, threatening regional stability and progress.
The planned meeting will bring together African governments, security agencies, and development partners to share intelligence, strengthen preventive measures, and coordinate rapid responses to security threats. Ghana aims to lead a model of African-led solutions under the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
The Vice President emphasized that ensuring peace and security is essential to unlocking the region’s full potential. She called on other West African nations and international partners to join Ghana in crafting a collective strategy that protects citizens and supports sustainable development.
Through this initiative, Ghana positions itself as a driving force for regional security, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding both human lives and the future progress of West Africa.