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Building bridges in Bolgatanga: Communities and law enforcement unite for peace in Northern Ghana

For five days in August, community representatives, traditional authorities, civil society organizations and law enforcement officers in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, came together to build trust and communication between the different actors in the fight against violent extremism.

Building Bridges in Bolgatanga: Communities and Law Enforcement Unite for Peace in Northern Ghana
© EUSDI GoG 2026

 

From 10 =14 August 2026, the EU Security and Defence Initiative Gulf of Guinea (EUSDI GoG) supported a pilot dialogue initiative in Bolgatanga. The event brought together 36 participants from across the community and security spectrum, including chieftains from several northern districts as well as representatives of law enforcement and intelligence from across the region.

High-level patronage 

The week was held under the patronage of Madam Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, Commissioner of Police, Ghana Police Service and Technical Advisor to the Minister of Interior. She addressed participants directly on the importance of trust and cooperation between communities and the institutions meant to serve them.

Building Bridges in Bolgatanga: Communities and Law Enforcement Unite for Peace in Northern Ghana

EUSDI GoG 2026

Building trust

Rather than relying on a series of briefings, the week used structured, experiential dialogue formats. These included World Café conversations, a joint strengths-and-weaknesses assessment, and facilitated mapping of opportunities and threats.

These activities helped participants express, in their own words, what has made it difficult for communities and security agencies to trust and communicate with one another. They also explored what could realistically be changed to improve that relationship.