The National Peace Council (NPC) has equipped community members in the Bawku West District with the tools and skills to foster peace and social cohesion. This initiative, part of the Improving the Economic Resilience of Host Communities for Peacebuilding in Northern Ghana project, involved a two-day capacity-building workshop for opinion leaders, minority groups, refugees, and youth. The training aimed to empower these individuals to resolve conflicts, promote tolerance, and build resilience against violent extremism in their communities.
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Training for Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution – National Peace Council
A total of 24 participants from the communities of Sapeliga, Tarikom, and Widnaba attended the workshop, where they learned about peace, conflict analysis, dialogue, and mediation, as well as strategies for addressing violent extremism. The aim was to develop these individuals into peace champions who could lead conflict resolution efforts, promote social harmony, and help others understand the importance of peaceful co-existence.
“The presence of refugees and minority groups from different cultural backgrounds means that social dynamics are under pressure. For peaceful co-existence to be possible, we must build their capacity in conflict resolution and social cohesion,” said Mr. Damien A. Asobayire, Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of NPC. The project, funded by the United States Department of State, the UNDP, and the IOM, aims to empower local leaders to engage in peacebuilding efforts actively.
Addressing Social Tensions in Host Communities
Ms. Abigail Asana, a participant from Sapeliga, shared a personal story about the tensions between refugees and host community members, particularly regarding shared resources such as water. “There is no borehole for the refugees, so they depend on our community borehole. With the increased number of people, there’s always pressure on the borehole, causing discontent,” she explained.
Such situations, if not addressed, could easily lead to conflict. However, after the training, Ms. Asana felt better equipped to mediate and promote peaceful co-existence, with plans to share her newfound knowledge with her community.
Strengthening Social Cohesion and Unity
The workshop aimed to foster culturally diverse yet cohesive communities, where all groups, including youth, women, and minorities, can actively participate in maintaining peace and security. Mr. Isaac Anongwin, the Assemblyman of Tarikom, emphasised the importance of the knowledge gained in facilitating peace in his electoral area. “This training will help me to champion social cohesion in my community,” he said.
The participants were trained to be proactive in identifying early signs of conflict, allowing them to address potential issues before they escalate.
Early Warning Systems for Conflict Prevention
Mr. Ali Anankpieng, a facilitator and former Regional Executive Secretary of the NPC, emphasised the importance of being vigilant for early warning signs of conflict. He emphasised that the timely detection of these signs is crucial for preventing disputes and ensuring effective, constructive dialogue. “The ability to act early is crucial in preventing conflict and promoting peaceful resolution,” Anankpieng stated.
Empowering Local Communities for Long-Term Peace
The ultimate goal of this initiative is for participants to return to their communities and lead peacebuilding efforts, helping to identify and respond to conflicts before they escalate into crises. The NPC’s training program provides vital tools to support not just short-term conflict resolution, but also the development of long-term peace and social cohesion in the region.
By equipping community leaders and key figures with the knowledge and skills to promote peace, this project is laying the foundation for a more united and peaceful future in Bawku West.
