Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar
Executive Director
Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar is the Executive Director for West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE). He oversees the operations and strategic direction of the organization. In the last 10 years, Mutaru has led the organization’s growth in its contribution to state and regional counter-terrorism strategy and policies. WACCE’s works have helped to deepen local understanding around radicalization and violent extremism in West Africa. Before WACCE, he has worked at Business and Research Manager at RDFC Africa for more than 4 years where he led various important projects in Ghana, Nigeria and Egypt. After studying for an MA in International Terrorism, Global Crime and International Security at Coventry University, UK, he under studied anti-mafia prosecutors around organized crime in Sicily, Italy.
Mutaru serves as conference speaker and guest lecturer to several institutions in Ghana and abroad. He is an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Scholar of the Aspen Institute (USA) and serves as mentor for youth career and professional development. Most recently in July 2024, Mutaru became an alumnus of the Emerging Security Sector Leaders program by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University, Washington DC. Among several other awards, Mutaru is a recipient of the African of the Year Award (2018), the youngest recipient at the time, for his impactful works in preventing violent extremism in Africa.
Philemon Agyapong
Finance &Administration
Philemon Agyapong is a finance and operations professional with a proven track record in the profit sector. With a background in financial analysis and compliance, Philemon brings over half a decade of experience driving organizational growth and ensuring financial sustainability.
Currently serving as the Finance Manager for the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism, Philemon oversees all financial aspects of the organization, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. His expertise in financial management has been instrumental in supporting
WACCE’s mission of building resilience against violent extremism in the region.
Prior to his role at WACCE, Philemon held positions in various organizations, including Freeze Link, Premise Data, and Unilever Ghana where he honed his skills in operations management and data analysis. His diverse experience has equipped him with the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and drive strategic decision-making.
Philemon is committed to driving positive change and adding value to communities through strong governance and leadership. His passion for social impact is reflected in his volunteer work with the Ghana Health Service, where he contributed to immunization efforts to protect children against polio.
Philemon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration from the University of Ghana and has completed additional training in data analytics. He is dedicated to advancing the mission of WACCE and making a meaningful difference in the fight against violent extremism in West Africa.
Priscilla Mawusi Joppa
Executive Assistant,
West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE)
Priscilla Mawusi Joppa is a highly skilled professional with a strong background in political science, and organizational support. As the Executive Assistant at the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), she plays a key role in managing administrative tasks, supporting communication efforts, and utilizing her analytical and organizational skills to ensure efficient and smooth operations and providing strategic support to the organization’s leadership.
Priscilla holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Information Studies from the University of Ghana. Her career spans roles in research, communication, and administrative support within notable organizations such as the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), and the Initiative for Gender Equality and Development in Africa (IGED-Africa). In these roles, she developed expertise in research and report writing, stakeholder engagement, and program coordination.
As an Executive Assistant at WACCE, Priscilla is responsible for coordinating meetings, managing relationships, supporting project proposal development, and ensuring compliance with project reporting requirements. She also contributes to organizing workshops, seminars, and policy events while supporting communication strategies and partner relationship management. Her role involves logistical coordination for events and forums, as well as overseeing daily administrative duties to maintain smooth operations.
She is passionate about international relations, gender equality, and fostering peace and development across Africa. Priscilla’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her ability to manage complex tasks, organize stakeholder activities, and support impactful initiatives. Beyond her professional achievements, Priscilla enjoys listening to music, sermons and podcasts, watching movies, and dancing. Her blend of professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to excellence makes her an integral part of WACCE’s mission to address counter-extremism challenges in West Africa.
Benjamin Ellis, Intern
West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE)
Benjamin Ellis is a graduate student from the Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy, with a concentration in Think Tank & Policy Research. Benjamin has contributed to several research initiatives at Liberty University, gaining experience in regional instability, economic development, and maritime security in Africa. His career goal is to serve as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, where he hopes to contribute to diplomacy and international development. Benjamin will be supporting WACCE as a Research Fellow during the summer of 2025.
Rafi Chowdhury, Intern
West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE)
Rafi Chowdhury is a Watson Fellow and a recent graduate from Macaulay Honors College at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Economics. He has experience working with government on multiple levels, serving local offices such as New York State Senator Chuck Schumer’s Office as a constituent liaison intern, as well as speaking at political conferences on a global level, like the UN NPT Preparatory Committee and the UN General Assembly First Committee. Rafi has spent just as much time involved with nonprofit organizations, such as American Documentary and the International Peace Bureau, aimed at addressing significant critical social issues and advocating for long-lasting peace. Ultimately interested in international development, governance, and disarmament, Rafi looks to continue his research and work at WACCE and help advance sustainable security in the Western Coast of Africa.
Ismael Delgado Karim, Intern
West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE)
Ismael Delgado Karim is an ambitious and globally minded student at Emory University, pursuing a dual degree in International Studies and Human Health with a concentration in Epidemiology. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, with limited working proficiency in Arabic and French, he brings a multilingual and interdisciplinary approach to research, policy analysis, and global health initiatives.
Ismael has cultivated a strong foundation in international security, economic development, and public health policy, particularly within African and Lusophone contexts. As a Research Assistant at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, he has led interventions addressing intergenerational trauma among Latinx youth and developed strategies for expanding community-based health programs. His policy acumen extends beyond the U.S., having worked as a Program Intern at the Ministry of Health in Senegal, where he supported reproductive health initiatives and collaborated with government officials to enhance healthcare access in rural communities. In addition to his research experience, Ismael has excelled in academic and leadership roles.
As a Teaching Assistant for Economic Development in Africa and the Middle East, he has facilitated class discussions, translated academic materials from Spanish and Portuguese, and supported students in understanding complex geopolitical and economic concepts. His ability to synthesize data, conduct multilingual research, and develop actionable policy recommendations has been instrumental in his work at Emory and beyond.
Ismael’s global perspective is further reinforced by his internship in the Canary Islands, where he worked on economic policy research and local supply chain development. As a Gilman Scholar, he has visited U.S. agencies abroad and sat in on high-level briefings on international conflicts in Sudan, Palestine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, gaining firsthand insight into humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, including those led by figures such as WFP President Cindy McCain. His ability to analyze political and security dynamics, combined with his passion for European and African affairs, has prepared him for roles in intelligence analysis, security policy, and international development.
With a commitment to public service, research excellence, and cross-cultural engagement, Ismael seeks opportunities where he can leverage his analytical skills, language proficiency, and international experience to contribute to meaningful policy work. He is particularly interested in national security, global health, and economic development in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Karim will be joining WACCE as a Research Fellow.