Coalition for Development of Northern Ghana (NORTHCODE GHANA) which operates in Northern Ghana alongside Biodiversity Conservation activities, Advocacy and Research, Health Program and Agric and Food Security with an objective to promote sustainable and equitable development of the deprived, poor and vulnerable societies, communities and individuals to reflect social justice in their operational areas in partnership with Conciliation Resources UK and funded by Global Affairs Canada, has launched a youth-focused peace initiative aimed at preventing conflict and violent extremism in border communities.
The project, titled “Leaders of Today, Not Tomorrow,” was officially launched on Monday December 29, 2025, at the Damongo Community Centre, bringing together youth groups, state institution representatives, traditional authorities, and various ethnic groups from across the Savannah Region.
Under the theme “Strengthening Transnational Youth Peace Leadership Along the Ghana – Cote d’Ivoire Border,” the initiative seeks to equip young people with leadership skills to promote peace in border and vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the launch, NORTHCODE-GHANA’s Executive Director, Mr. Cletus Zume Zeus, explained that the Savannah Region was strategically selected due to its position as Ghana’s largest region, sharing borders with Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. He noted that security challenges in neighboring countries, including violent extremism and insurgency-related attacks, pose potential spillover risks to Ghana, making youth empowerment in peacebuilding essential for community safety and long-term stability.
Mr. Zeus raised concerns about illegal mining activities in parts of the Bole area, describing them as potential security threats due to undocumented migrants, and warned that such activities could create avenues for criminal networks. He urged young people to prioritize their development and resist manipulation by politicians and traditional leaders who sometimes exploit youth for selfish interests, leading to communal conflicts.
Addressing social challenges, Mr. Zeus described the increasing abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs among youth as a major threat, calling on the Ghana Police Service to adopt rehabilitative approaches rather than punitive detention to better transform and reintegrate affected young people into society.
The Executive Director disclosed that NORTHCODE-GHANA is implementing several interventions, including the KAPOK initiative, which empowers chiefs, queen mothers, and youth leaders to address sensitive community issues. He called on youth to serve as vehicles for peace, resist division, and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.
The Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, commended NORTHCODE-GHANA and its partners for the initiative and urged the youth to be agents of peace in their communities.
