''Security events are less important than our responses to them'' - Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar
Who We Are
WACCE is an independent regional security research organization focused on uncovering the underpinnings of radicalization and violent extremism in West Africa. Our research and advocacy works are intended at supporting state and regional counter terrorism policies and strategies.

Mutaru Mumuni and his team interacting with some stakeholders after a program.
West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) was founded in 2014 as an independent regional organization focused on Preventing Violent Extremism and conflicts in West Africa. It was founded in response to the increasing numbers of youth succumbing to extremism in West Africa. 2014 marked the deadliest year for terrorism globally since September 11, 2001 Attacks. With over 7,000 lives lost, West Africa did not only experience extremist violence on the biggest scale, but it was also the deadliest region globally for terrorism fatalities.
Our research and outreach programs are intended at uncovering the drivers of radicalization and violent extremism to support state and regional counter-terrorism policies and strategies. For more than 8 years we have worked with local communities, state and non-state actors to deepen understanding around violent extremism and its drivers and helped to build resilience against the threat.
We have worked to dissuade 23 radicalized youth from travelling to join extremist groups and have empowered more than 6,600 youth and community representatives to serve as effective peace ambassadors for peace and resilience in their communities. Our experience in the region has taught us that context is fundamental to any effective intervention. As security in the region continues to change, it requires a dynamic, innovative and multifaceted approach to handle it. WACCE employs such approach in combination with relevant partnerships and local community collaborations.
OUR PROGRAMS
Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder engagements are a key part of our approach, and it is geared towards sharing ideas and making consultative decisions, partnerships and collaborations in line with the security interest of Ghana and West Africa. Stakeholder engagements are a big part of our contribution to policy makers and policy making.
We mobilize stakeholder ideas to push policies and strategies intended to improve security, protect lives and livelihoods.
Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) in Ghana

Our national PVE programs are targeted at young people in vulnerable communities and are focused on educating and helping build resilience against violence. Participants go on to serve as peace ambassadors for their communities, protecting and encouraging positive attitudes among peers.
Our peace ambassadors play a critical role in helping bring about sustainability.
White Paper – Extremist Threat in Ghana – September 2021 Read here for updates on the extremist threat to Ghana:
Policy Dialogue

WACCE uses policy dialogue as tools for reaching enriching discussions around important prevailing issues. But more importantly it serves as platform for consensus building in making policy recommendations by bringing diverse groups of people to the table. Such policy engagements help in offering practical solutions to complex problems such as Violent Extremism.
WACCE Security Forum

WACCE's annual security forum is a regular public forum that brings together varied expertise to share views and perspectives on prevailing security issues to inform decision-making. It affords the opportunity to listen to broader views
WACCE Peace Network

WACCE’s network of youth who are committed to peace in their communities serve as peace ambassadors, and help to deepen the impact of WACCE’s programs in their communities. WACCE engages and interacts with more than 3,200 network members on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. Interested youth can join our peace network by contacting info@waccegh.org or +233 505837185 (WhatsApp).
Dancing4Peace

Dancing is a universal language. Cultural dance communicates peace and harmony, and we believe that through dance we can reach the highest of harmony with one another.
WACCE utilizes traditional dance as an effective tool for peacebuilding in communities that have been ravaged by years of violence.
Reports
Women In PVE.
Our mission is anchored on Challenging Extremism, Promoting Pluralism and Inspiring Peace.
Empowered women are more effective at preventing violent extremism and building resilience for inclusive peace.
