The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) is set to mark its 10th anniversary in December 2024, highlighting a decade of impactful work in confronting violent extremism and insecurity across the region.
Founded in December 2014, WACCE has been a leading force in protecting communities and fostering peace, as West Africa grapples with rising terrorist violence.
“In 2014, extremism felt distant to many in Ghana, but we saw the danger and acted,” said Mutaru Mumuni, Executive Director of WACCE.
Today, West Africa accounts for 43% of global terrorism-related deaths, underscoring the importance of the organization’s mission.
Over the past decade, WACCE has directly intervened in 23 cases, preventing individuals from joining terrorist groups and saving countless lives.
In one instance, the organization stopped a young man just a day before he was to leave for an extremist group.
WACCE has also trained over 9,000 community members, peace ambassadors, and youth in recognizing and resisting extremism.
“Our work goes beyond stopping extremists; it’s about empowering youth and creating safe environments where communities can thrive,” Mumuni emphasized.
WACCE’s work has sparked national conversations and played a critical role in shaping counter-extremism initiatives in Ghana.
WACCE’s projects address key areas such as youth violence, women’s empowerment, and cybersecurity.
The organization hosted the first National Forum on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Ghana, creating a platform for future action.
WACCE also developed a generative AI tool aimed at boosting electoral participation and combating online radicalization.
Its influence extends beyond Ghana, as it collaborates with international bodies like the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the US State Department to shape global counter-terrorism policies, further solidifying its leadership in the fight against extremism.
To commemorate this milestone, WACCE will host a series of events, including a national peace dialogue, charity events, and an awards night to honor those who have contributed to its mission.
“I invite everyone to join us in celebrating 10 years of dedication to youth, peace, and security in West Africa,” Mumuni said.
