BORDER Project launched to promote peace, security, and development in border communities

Ghana has officially launched the BORDER Project, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering peace, enhancing security, and building resilience in the country’s vulnerable border communities.

The launch event, held with dignitaries and key stakeholders in attendance, was led by the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister emphasized the urgent need to address the complex challenges confronting Ghana’s border areas, including resource-based conflicts, climate-induced shocks, and inter-communal tensions.

“Our border communities face multiple stressors that threaten national stability,”  Mr Terlabi stated.

“This project will strengthen social cohesion, boost economic empowerment, and promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious divides. The Ministry of the Interior fully supports this initiative and calls on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society to take an active role in this vital peacebuilding effort,” he added.

The BORDER Project adopts a multi-sectoral approach to development and peacebuilding. It seeks to promote inclusive community participation while aligning with national development goals and international commitments.

Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, highlighted the crucial role of education in building long-term peace and stability. “Education is a powerful tool for social transformation. We will work closely with World Vision Ghana and its partners to ensure that this project improves learning outcomes in border areas,” he said.

Dr. Apaak noted that the Ministry of Education will coordinate efforts with the Ghana Education Service to align interventions with the Education Strategic Plan (ESP) and Sustainable Development Goal 4- ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Afisah Zakaria, Chief Director at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable populations.

“This project places special emphasis on the dignity, safety, and empowerment of women, children, persons with disabilities, and displaced families. It reflects our national values and our duty to leave no one behind,” she noted.

Interim National Director of World Vision Ghana, Mr. Jean-Claude Mukadi, expressed gratitude for the support received from international partners, particularly the German government, and reiterated World Vision’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with local communities.

“Our goal is to strengthen early warning systems, create economic opportunities, and build bridges of trust in communities that have too often been on the margins of national development,” he said.

The BORDER Project outlines a comprehensive strategy with five primary objectives:
1. Fostering social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in multi-ethnic and multi-religious border communities.
2. Strengthening local conflict prevention and response mechanisms through community dialogue and early warning systems.
3. Providing economic empowerment opportunities, especially for youth and marginalized groups.
4. Building resilience against climate shocks and natural disasters.
5. Enhancing education and aligning local interventions with national policies to ensure sustainable development.

As Ghana continues to navigate a rapidly evolving regional security landscape, initiatives like the BORDER Project underscore the importance of proactive, locally-driven solutions to conflict and underdevelopment. With the collaborative efforts of government ministries, development partners, and community leaders, the project aims to serve as a model for integrated peacebuilding and development across West Africa.

The post BORDER Project launched to promote peace, security, and development in border communities first appeared on 3News.

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