Doninga, a community in Ghana's Upper East region with limited livelihood opportunities particularly for youth and women has resulted in high unemployment rates, and a vicious cycle of poverty. In view of this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Ghana) in collaboration with Movement of Rural Entrepreneurial Women (MORE- WOMEN) recognizing the urgent of prevention, have handed over livelihood started tools consisting of a shea butter processing center, shea butter equipment and 150 piglets to 100 women and youth in Doninga in the Upper East Region of Ghana to strengthen their socio-economic resilience. This support will indirectly benefit about 300 people, further enhancing its positive effects and supporting a pathway toward a more sustainable future.

With funding from the governments of Denmark, Australia, Norway, and Germany, through UNDP’s Atlantic Corridor Project, the initiative aims to address the immediate drivers of radicalization leading to violent extremism of at-risk communities.

One of theproject’s aim is to build the socio-economic resilience of vulnerable individuals in Doninga by providing livelihood support to women and youth. The initiative directly addresses the immediate drivers of radicalization leading to violent extremism.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Doninga, the Head of Inclusive Growth and Governance at UNDP Ghana, Dr. Edward Ampratwum, highlighted the significant role of empowering women and youth to preventing violent extremism.

He emphasized that the initiative is designed to address the immediate drivers of radicalization and promote peace in Ghana.

“UNDP, through the Atlantic Corridor Initiative, recognizes the critical role women and youth play in preventing radicalization and building resilient communities. That is why we have provided livelihood support to the women and youth in this community, helping to prevent conflict and violent extremism,” stated Dr. Ampratwum.

Shiela Ayitah, Executive Director of MORE-Women, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership, highlighting its role in preventing violent extremism and fostering positive change among youth and women in the Doninga community.

“Our goal is to empower women and youth in Doninga to support their families, uplift themselves economically, and ultimately strengthen the fabric of the community. With these resources, we believe we are building a foundation for a more resilient community that is less vulnerable to the threat of violent extremism,” added Sheila.

This initiative serves as a model for tackling the root causes of violent extremism in the Gulf of Guinea region. By investing in economic empowerment and fostering social cohesion, UNDP, in collaboration with MORE-Women, is working to create a brighter future for the people of Doninga and beyond.