NRCC, Danish delegation discuss peace and security in Northern Region

The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) has engaged a Danish parliamentary delegation on security concerns, peacebuilding, local governance and development priorities in the Northern Region.

The engagement took place on Wednesday, when the Mayor of Tamale, Mr Abubakari Adam Takoro, and the Acting Chief Director of the NRCC, Mr Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, received the delegation on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John.

The delegation was led by Denmark’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr 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), Mr Albert Yelyang.

The meeting provided a platform for regional authorities and the delegation to exchange views on the security situation, development challenges and opportunities for international cooperation to promote peace and sustainable development.

Welcoming the delegation, Mr Takoro expressed appreciation for Denmark’s interest in Ghana’s development and its engagement with institutions working to promote peace, stability and democratic governance.

He emphasised the importance of international partnerships in addressing challenges such as insecurity, poverty and unemployment, particularly in communities facing socio-economic difficulties.

The mayor also highlighted the need to strengthen local governance and provide Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with adequate resources to deliver essential services and implement development programmes.

He said effective decentralisation, predictable funding and active community participation were necessary to improve service delivery, accountability and inclusive development across the region.

Discussions also focused on addressing the underlying causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities for young people. Participants underscored the importance of promoting livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities as part of broader efforts to sustain peace and stability.

Agricultural development and food security also featured in the discussions, with emphasis on supporting farmers, improving productivity and strengthening local economic activities to increase household incomes and build resilient communities.

Mr Yelyang highlighted the role of peacebuilding initiatives, community engagement and early-warning systems in identifying potential conflicts and supporting timely interventions.

He also stressed the contribution of civil society organisations to peace and security through public education, mediation, dialogue and initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence.

The meeting further highlighted the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of local government bodies and ensure adequate funding for infrastructure, social services and other development interventions.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the NRCC, the Danish delegation and civil society representatives to share perspectives on the region’s priorities and identify areas where cooperation could support peacebuilding, effective governance and socio-economic development.

The discussions underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, international partners, security agencies, traditional authorities and civil society organisations in addressing regional challenges and promoting lasting peace in the Northern Region.