Ghana is poised to benefit from the newly launched $40 million Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM), a joint initiative between the United States and Germany aimed at strengthening security and stability in northern Ghana, as well as in the coastal West African nations of Benin and Togo.
The CSSM, which runs from April 2023 to April 2026, seeks to enhance the presence of government authorities in vulnerable areas, promote community cohesion, and prevent the spread of violent extremism.
The project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), will be implemented in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ghana’s Ministry of National Security, and local partners. It focuses on improving government responsiveness, fostering relationships between citizens and authorities, and bolstering security in areas most at risk of extremist activities.
Speaking at the project’s launch in Yendi, Northern Region, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Anne Witkowsky, emphasized the initiative’s critical role in promoting regional stability. “This initiative is part of a broader U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability in coastal West Africa,” Witkowsky explained. “It aims to enhance social cohesion, improve government responsiveness, and support security across the region.”
German Director General for Crisis Prevention, Deike Potzel, reinforced the importance of building government capacity and legitimacy to maintain peace in the region. The CSSM is aligned with Ghana’s National Framework for the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism and Terrorism, employing a community-centered approach to address the rise of Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs).
As part of the initiative’s launch, donations of equipment, including solar streetlights, personal protective gear for the police, and medical supplies for the Chereponi District Hospital, were made to local institutions. The project will also extend to other districts in Ghana’s Upper West and Upper East Regions.
German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, praised Ghana’s leadership in the region, noting its strong democratic institutions. “We are confident that Ghana will continue to set an example for democratic resilience in the region,” Ambassador Krull stated. Both the U.S. and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ghana in strengthening its defenses against violent extremism and ensuring a secure and stable future.
The CSSM is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing security, fostering economic development, and enhancing the government’s ability to respond to emerging security threats across northern Ghana and the wider coastal West African region.