The National Peace Council (NPC) has trained Community Peace Agents and Local Peace Committee members in the Savannah Region. This initiative strengthens local capacities for conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution. The training involved participants from Kukuteen, Garmayiri, Jinavore, and Lewuriyiri communities.
These two-day training programmes are part of the Council’s ongoing peacebuilding efforts. They empower community-based actors to identify early signs of conflict. The programmes also promote dialogue and support non-violent responses to disputes.
Mr. Kennedy Atiibo, Executive Secretary of the Savannah Regional Peace Council, highlighted the critical role of these agents. He stated they are vital for sustaining peace in border communities. These areas have experienced tensions in recent years.
Participants are expected to serve as community-level peace advocates. They will also act as early warning focal persons. This allows them to provide timely information to the Peace Council, district authorities, and security agencies when potential threats emerge.
Mr. Atiibo urged the Community Peace Agents and Local Peace Committee members to remain impartial. He also stressed the importance of professionalism and transparency in mediation processes. This ensures all parties have equal opportunities to be heard without intimidation or interference.
The training modules covered understanding conflict and its causes. Participants learned about constructive and destructive conflict dynamics. They also studied dialogue, mediation, negotiation, and the roles of Peace Agents and Local Peace Committees.
The sessions used participatory learning methods. These included group discussions, case studies, and conflict analysis exercises. Participants found conflict analysis essential for mediation and peacebuilding. The conflict tree exercise helped them understand addressing root causes, not just visible signs.
Madam Hannah Rahim, a Garmayiri resident, described the exercise as eye-opening. She said it changed her perspective on dispute resolution. Mediators need to understand different interests, perceptions, and factors influencing a dispute before resolving it.
Mr. Maurice Kuudenie from Lewuriyiri shared a similar view. He recounted a community dispute over alleged crop destruction by livestock. A local team's investigation revealed less damage than reported, leading to an amicable resolution. He emphasized that careful fact-finding and dialogue prevent violence and ensure fairness.
Participants also discussed practical challenges for community peace structures. Madam Charlotte Yourpour, a Lewuriyiri Local Peace Committee member, noted that peacebuilding requires community confidence and cooperation. She stressed that committee members must show integrity, fairness, and exemplary conduct to gain public trust.
The training facilitated dialogue between farmers and herders. Mr. Issah Sanbo, a Fulbe participant, urged Peace Agents to avoid assumptions about crop destruction. He explained that livestock can stray accidentally, requiring proper investigation before assigning responsibility. Participants agreed that fair, evidence-based handling of such cases strengthens relations and reduces retaliatory actions.
Mr. Robert Dari from Kukuteen reminded participants that peacebuilding comes from knowledge, dialogue, and responsible leadership. He encouraged them to apply their new skills to promote peaceful coexistence. This will justify the confidence placed in them by their communities.
This initiative by the National Peace Council is a significant step. It empowers local communities to manage and resolve conflicts internally. This approach reduces reliance on external interventions and fosters sustainable peace. The focus on impartiality and evidence-based resolution builds trust. It also strengthens social cohesion within diverse communities. This proactive strategy is vital for Ghana's overall stability and economic development, especially in regions prone to resource-based conflicts.