In a significant move towards fostering inclusion and peaceful coexistence, STAR- Ghana Foundation with funding support from the Foreign Common Wealth and Development Office of the UK, have launched a Fulbe Integration Manual intended to integrate Fulbe (Fulani) communities into the broader social fabric.
The Manual is described by stakeholders as a crucial resource that seeks to provide actionable strategies for integration and ensuring that Fulbe communities are not only included but empowered within society.
The launch of the Manual, which took place in Accra on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 marked a major milestone in efforts to enhance social integration and creation of pathways for a more inclusive and peaceful future for all.
The launch event brought together policymakers, community leaders, and development partners who engaged in meaningful discussions on integration and social cohesion. It also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to explore strategies that promote unity, understanding, and collaboration across diverse communities.
In an address, the Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation Mr Ibrahim –Tanko Amidu noted that the manual is a pivotal tool in supporting social harmony and strengthening community bonds.
Mr Amidu observed that there are quite a number of social groups that remain being excluded from wider life.
He emphasized the role of religion, social cohesion, and shared humanity in fostering peace and inclusion in Ghana. He said Christians, Muslims, or traditional region should guide people toward unity and social harmony rather than division. He again highlighted the importance of integrating marginalized groups into society as a moral and national duty.
Mr Amidu remarked, “We’ve talked about women in some communities and some ethnic groups. We’ve talked about so-called minority ethnic groups. We’ve talked about so-called settler groups. We’ve talked about young people also we’ve talked about Fulbes.”
“These are communities, for one reason or the other, are communities that are excluded, that are marginalized. Some based on preconceived ideas, others on sociocultural factors.”
Dr George Amoh, Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, mentioned that when he assumed office at the Council, his mission was to build cohesion in the country and various sections of the society after realizing the country was not well integrated.
Mr Amoh argued, “We cannot say we are a state or a nation when sections of our society are not fully integrated.”
He added, “We as a people have not taken the time, deliberate policies to get all sections of our society well integrated. This is something that I believe every government that seeks the interest of our country and the people of Ghana will have to do.”
Mr Amoh commended STAR-Ghana Foundation and its partners for putting the Manual together.
Ms, Rhemah Forkuo, Security Policy and Programme Associate for the West African Stability Programme at the FCDO, noted that the manual is not just a document but a roadmap, tool and commitment to ensuring that policies, programmes and local initiatives are informed and more inclusive,.
Ms Forkuo said the FCDO continue to cherish the working relationship with STAR-Ghana Foundation,
“We value our relationship with STAR-Ghana because one of the priorities of FCDO is to deepen our national security priority and one of our aims at the West African Stability Programme is to increase community resilient which is why STAR-Ghana is working with us to integrate the Fulbe into various communities of the country.”
On his part, Alhaji Iddrisu Mohammed Bingle of the National Council of Fulani Chiefs, added his voice in extolling the producers of the Manual for their effort to ensure there is proper integration.
By: Mohammed Suleman
