The Chairperson of Ghana’s National Youth Assembly, Julian Cobinnah, has explained how terrorists often recruit young people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking at the West Africa Youth Summit on Peace, Peacebuilding, and Security, under the theme “Leaders of today, not tomorrow,” Julian Cobinnah noted that many young people are drawn into terrorism largely due to a lack of income.

He explained that, in many cases, frustration, depression, and, in extreme situations, the search for alternative means of survival push young individuals toward such activities.

“When people do not have jobs or stable incomes to take care of themselves, their families, and their basic needs, they become depressed. When they become depressed, they begin to seek alternatives.

“That is how people are recruited into extreme violence. In fact, this is what recruiters across the world exploit to draw people into terrorism. So, for a country like Ghana,” he said.

Julian Cobinnah further noted that Conciliation Resources, in collaboration with Northcode Ghana and Indigo Côte d’Ivoire, with support from Global Affairs Canada, has made efforts to reduce youth unemployment in the southern region.

He added that although these organisations have created opportunities for young people, the government must provide additional support to help grow small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“…For the southern region, we must work to reduce unemployment. As a matter of public policy and private sector support, we need to create more jobs.

“The government must provide support to grow SMEs. In our country, one challenge we face is that, culturally, we do not always nurture small businesses to grow,” he added.

Also speaking to the media during the three-day summit was the West Africa Programme Director at Conciliation Resources, Nansata Saliah Yakubu, noted that the initiative is expected to amplify youth voices, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and build youth networks.

“This programme is expected to amplify youth voices, strengthen cross-border collaboration, build youth networks, and express solidarity for the work they do. It will also feed into the African Union consultation process on youth engagement in peace and security.

“The process began in June 2025 and will conclude in June 2026. It will culminate in a communiqué on Friday, which will be shared with the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace and the African Union Peace and Security Department,” she said.





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