FOSDA has joined the National Peace Council, Ghana and partners, including UK Government, Norway, Resilience for Peace and others to launch the Development and Resilience Index Against Violent Extremism (DRIVE Index) as part of efforts to deepen Ghana’s commitment to peace, stability and democratic resilience.

The DRIVE Index as an evidence-based decision-making tool designed to help the state and its partners understand what makes communities resilient or vulnerable to violent extremist influence. The DRIVE Index integrates community perceptions, psychosocial dynamics, governance indicators and development realities, and provides clear, localized and actionable data to inform targeted prevention and response strategies.

The initiative presents Ghana with an opportunity to consolidate its strengths, address emerging vulnerabilities and demonstrate leadership in data-driven peacebuilding within the West African sub-region.

Importantly, the DRIVE Index aligns with Ghana’s existing policy frameworks, including the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism. By integrating DRIVE indicators into national and local planning processes, the initiative is expected to enhance institutional coordination, improve resource allocation and ensure that peace and security policies are guided by evidence rather than assumptions.