The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) has identified poverty, youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities as critical challenges in efforts to sustain peace and security in the Northern Region.
The issues featured prominently in talks between regional officials and a Danish parliamentary delegation in Tamale on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, as stakeholders discussed ways to address insecurity through stronger local governance, community peacebuilding and economic development.
The delegation was led by Denmark’s Ambassador to Ghana, Jakob Linulf, and included members of the Danish Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee and the Country Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Albert Yelyang.
The delegation was received by the Mayor of Tamale, Abubakari Adam Takoro, and the Acting Chief Director of the NRCC, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John.
Discussions focused on the need to address the socio-economic conditions that can deepen tensions and undermine stability, particularly among young people with limited access to jobs and livelihoods.
Participants also stressed the importance of cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and local communities to prevent conflict and respond to emerging threats.
Mr Takoro called for stronger decentralisation and adequate funding for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to improve service delivery, accountability and community-level development.
Agricultural productivity and food security also featured in the discussions, with participants highlighting the need to strengthen local economic activities and improve household incomes.
Mr Yelyang emphasised the role of community-based peacebuilding, early-warning systems, dialogue and mediation in identifying potential conflicts and supporting timely interventions.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the NRCC and the Danish delegation to exchange views on security, governance and development priorities, including areas for possible international cooperation.
The participants underscored the need to combine peacebuilding efforts with economic and institutional interventions to strengthen stability and improve livelihoods across the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
