The National Peace Council in the Upper East Region has begun steps to increase the participation of youth and women in peacebuilding along border communities. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance local mechanisms for preventing violent extremism and conflicts.
Known as the “Strengthen Local and National Mechanisms and Capabilities for Prevention of Violent Extremism and Violent Conflicts,” the activity is a preventive approach to protecting development in the Gulf of Guinea.
As part of the engagements, the Peace Council organized a two-day workshop for women and youth in the Tempane District from February 12 to 13. The engagement focused on empowering women and youth to participate actively in peacebuilding initiatives. The objectives of the workshop, as outlined by Mr. Ali Anankpieng, Executive Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, included fostering community engagement, promoting resilience and harmony, and strengthening partnerships between local groups and authorities in conflict prevention.
The project is funded by the governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is implemented under the broader initiative, “Strengthen Local and National Mechanisms and Capabilities for Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) and Conflicts,” which falls within the Preventive Approach to Protecting Development in the Gulf of Guinea project.
While Ghana has not experienced terrorist attacks within its borders, the nation remains vigilant due to escalating extremist activities in neighboring countries. In Burkina Faso, violent extremism has intensified, with militants controlling significant portions of the country and perpetrating deadly assaults on civilians. In the August 2024 attack in Barsalogho, over 100 civilians were killed while digging defensive trenches to protect their village.
Similarly, Côte d’Ivoire has faced incursions from extremist groups. In June 2020, the town of Kafolo experienced a deadly attack that resulted in the deaths of 14 soldiers, underscoring the persistent threat along its northern borders. Togo has also been targeted; in July 2024, an assault by approximately 100 extremists on a military outpost near the Burkina Faso border led to multiple fatalities among Togolese soldiers.
These incidents highlight the pressing need for comprehensive security measures and community engagement in Ghana, especially in border regions.
Mr. William Adongo, Project Officer for PVE at UNDP Ghana, emphasized that a study conducted by the UNDP revealed that women and youth were often excluded from conflict resolution processes. The workshop aimed to build their capacities and encourage them to take up active roles in promoting peace.
“UNDP is interested in how women and youth can contribute to resolving and preventing conflicts in their communities for sustainable peace. By providing this training, we expect you to actively participate in ensuring stability in your communities,” Mr. Adongo stated.
He further reiterated UNDP’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable peace and called on the youth to take their roles as peace ambassadors seriously.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Ali Anankpieng emphasized that it was time for the youth, who are often actively involved in conflicts, to become part of the solution by preventing conflicts and resisting extremist activities. He noted that they stand to gain significantly by protecting and maintaining peace in their localities.
A participant, Gifty Awuni, expressed appreciation for the training, stating that it had broadened her understanding of conflict prevention and the vital role women and youth can play in community peacebuilding.
The activity also seeks to improve the culture of resilience, enhance community cohesion among social groupings, and strengthen partnerships between women and youth groups as well as local authorities. The workshop is expected to lead to increased participation of women and youth in peacebuilding initiatives, an improved culture of resilience against violence, and enhanced community cohesion. The initiative aligns with the broader goal of equipping local communities with the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate conflicts and promote lasting peace in the region.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga
