West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism

18/12/2025

Africa continues to be the most youthful continent. According to the World Bank, by 2050, Africans will make up 1/3 of the global workforce. The world's population growth tells two stories: aging populations in many countries & youthful growth in others. What does this mean for the future? - World Bank.

https://www.worldbank.org/

16/12/2025

Women's voices are not just important; they are more powerful and effective for community dialogues in pursuit of peace. That is why the Strengthening Systems for Resilience Against Extremism (SURE) project is deliberate in creating adequate space for women in its Community Dialogue sessions in the 12 districts across five regions in Northern Ghana.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA)
STAR-Ghana Foundation

01/12/2025

Today is Monday, first day of the month. Another opportunity to change the world.
At WACCE, we believe that changing the world begins with peace. That is why we are laying the infrastructure for peace and prosperity of our nation.
In 3 months, we have trained 330 young peace ambassadors across 11 schools in Northern Ghana. In the last two months, we have trained 360 security actors to fight against violent extremism. In the last 11 years, we have empowered over 10, 200 individuals to serve as effective agents for peace in their communities.
You too can be part of this journey. So join our movement today to help build a peaceful and prosperous society.

U.S. Embassy Ghana
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA)
Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada
STAR-Ghana Foundation
Ecowas - Cedeao

29/11/2025

Accra, Ghana - 27 November 2025 The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) and the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), with support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian High Commission, convened a national dialogue to address the rising risk of violent extremism in Ghana’s mining communities.
The event, held in Accra, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, researchers, and experts to discuss emerging threats and propose practical solutions. The national dialogue, as part of the Mining for Peace (M4P) project, is aimed at bringing together relevant stakeholders to provide critical insights and propose solutions in curbing illegal mining whilst building resilience against violent extremism.

21/11/2025

Applications Open:
Research Associate Intern at the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (Jan-Mar 2026).

Are you a Master’s student, or a recent graduate in conflict, security or a related discipline? Are you passionate about peacebuilding and would you like to gain hands-on experience in the field? The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism is now accepting applications for its 2026 Research Associate Internship in Accra, Ghana.

This 12 week, full-time, on-site internship offers an opportunity to gain experience in preventing violent extremism (PVE), research, community engagement, mediation and advocacy across a variety of security and conflict-related themes.

What we're looking for:

• Master’s student or recent graduate in conflict studies, security, international relations, political science, development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated academic excellence
• Excellent academic writing skills, including research, synthesis, and reporting.
• High level of English proficiency (C1/C2); knowledge of French or local West African languages is an asset
• Research skills in data collection and analysis.
• Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and SPSS.

What you’ll gain:

· Practical research experience
· Fieldwork exposure
· Opportunities to facilitate trainings and workshops
· Mentorship and professional development
· Certificate and recommendation letter upon successful completion.

📅 Duration: January 5 – March 27, 2026 (extension possible on mutual agreement)
📍 Location: Accra, Ghana (work may involve travel outside Accra)
📝 Apply by: 12 December 2025, 23:59 GMT

📧 Submit your CV, cover letter and a 3-5 page writing sample to [email protected] (cc: [email protected])

We look forward to welcoming you at WACCE!

More information:
https://bit.ly/WACCE-Internship-2026

21/11/2025

Applications Open: Research Associate Intern at the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (Jan-Mar 2026)

Are you a Master’s student, or recent graduate in conflict, security or a related discipline? Are you passionate about peacebuilding and would you like to gain hands-on experience in the field? The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism is now accepting applications for its 2026 Research Associate Internship in Accra, Ghana. This 12 week internship offers an opportunity to gain experience in (field) research, community engagement, mediation and advocacy across a variety of security and conflict-related themes. More info and how to apply: https://bit.ly/WACCE-Internship-2026

11/11/2025

Women security actors have an inherent capacity to achieve better outcomes in addressing conflict vulnerabilities.

The SURE Project highlights the important role of women in addressing local vulnerabilities to Violent Extremism and Conflicts in our region.

STAR-Ghana Foundation
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA)

04/11/2025

Across 12 districts in Northern Ghana, West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism in partnership with STAR-Ghana Foundation and the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) is empowering 360 security actors in border communities through expert-led training workshops to build resilience against violent extremism in Northern Ghana.

The capacity building workshops form part of the activities under the Strengthening Systems for Resilience Against Extremism (SURE) project funded by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office intended at enhancing social cohesion and building resilience against conflicts and extremism in border communities in Northern Ghana. The activities are aimed at enhancing the capacity of security actors to address security vulnerabilities through human security frameworks and conflict-sensitive analysis.

STAR-Ghana Foundation
Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA)
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

08/10/2025

Africa’s growing young population has the potential to transform the continent’s economic trajectory.

Africa’s youth boom could transform its economic future, yet corruption, weak institutions, and low productivity threaten economic progress.

08/10/2025

Building and Safe Communities in Northern Ghana.

06/08/2025

Our Condolences - Ghana's Helicopter Crash

We're deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in Ashanti Region of Ghana, claiming the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Env, Sci & Tech Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others including Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former NDC Parliamentary Candidate and Samuel Sarpong, a Vice Chairman of the NDC who were on a national assignment in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones and to all the people of Ghana.

01/08/2025

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ghana Armed Forces to transition from a peace keeping role in the Bawku crisis to Peace Enforcement. This implies a more robust and involved role with proactive operations to prevent further violence.
It is expected that the deployment of 400 men would result in de-escalating the violence and bring about stability in the area.