The West Africa Centre for Counter Extremism (WACCE) has begun training some selected youth of Yendi and its environs of the northern region on conflict resolution and peace management.
About 100 youth leaders from the area attended the two days workshop in Yendi. The participants are expected to serve as peace Ambassadors in their respective communities.
The Executive Director of WACCE, Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar at the official launch bemoaned the recurrent chieftaincy, land and other related conflicts that have inundated Northern Ghana over the years.
“Chieftaincy and ethnic violence remain the single biggest source of insecurity and instability in Ghana,” he stated adding that the youth have always been the front-runners in these conflicts.
He urged the participants to educate their peers on the importance of peaceful coexistence since Ghana’s most valuable trademark is peace and political stability.
They are also expected to serve as effective peace ambassadors to enable them to contribute significantly towards building a resilient youth front for sustainable peace in their various communities.
“The training is expected to empower participants to contribute and lead initiatives, serving as leading voices for the amplification of narratives that are supportive of peace“, The Executive Director of WACCE remarked.
Mutaru Mumuni said having trained over 700 youth on conflicts resolution and peace management in the country, his organization was committed to partnering with government and international bodies to douse the numerous conflicts in Ghana most especially Northern Region.
“Yendi is the symbolic town of Dagbon and its embodies a lot. However, we have seen in the last 17 years the insecurity around the chieftaincy and ethnic conflicts in Yendi, Saboba and Chereponi. Now we have a new Yaa-Naa with a lot of goodwill and support; meaning that we need to deepen the peace around here”, he noted.
The Consular General of the US Embassy in Ghana, Jayne Howell in her speech commended the WACCE for its forethought saying “empowering the youth to lead peace advocacy is critical to the development of the nation”.
“Ghana is rightly seen as a leader for peace and stability in the region, and your presence here, today makes a difference. The U.S. Embassy will continue to work hand in hand with young leaders like Mutaru and all of you because your commitment advances the promotion of peace in this area”, she stated.
Source: Alhassan Yakubu | www.diamondfmonline.com | Ghana
