Catholic University equips NPC, REGSEC with mediation knowledge, skills

The Marian Conflict Resolution Center (MCRC) of the Catholic University of Ghana, has equipped some members and personnel of the National Peace Council (NPC) with the requisite knowledge and skills to manage conflicts proactively, as the December 7, Presidential and Parliamentary Polls gather momentum.

The five-day training workshop introduced about 43 members and personnel of the NPC selected from the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Region to professional mediation and other Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (ADR) tools.

That would empower them to mediate or tackle political conflicts and tensions that might emanate from the electioneering to the satisfaction of all feuding parties and possibly, avert election violence.

Some members of the various Regional Security Councils in the three regions also participated in the training, which also reflected on issues of peace, resolution and the management of various conflicts in society.

In an interview with the media on the sidelines of the closing session of the training, held at Abesim, near Sunyani, Dr Vida Korang, the Executive Director, MCRC, said the 2024 Election remained crucial, hence the need to intensify peace building efforts.

As peacebuilders, Dr Korang said the role of the NPC remained critical in diffusing election disputes, and tensions in the country.

She said the participants were exposed to the conflict profiling of the three regions, ethics and negotiations, conflict management, key provisions in the NPC Act, and other mediation processes.

Describing the Election 2024 as not a do-or-die affair, Dr Korang said elections were a civic right that provided opportunity for the electorate to express their views on governance for the holistic development of the nation.

She therefore advised the youth to remain guarded and not to allow themselves to be used by politicians as conduits to perpetrate election violence.

Professor Mrs Mercy Adutwumwaa Derkyi, the Bono Regional Chairperson of the NPC described the training as an eye-opener and insightful and expressed appreciation to the MRCR and its partners.

Nana Bofo Bene IV, the Paramount Chief of the Dwenem Traditional Area in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region called on the MCRC to consider extending the training to benefit other traditional authorities.

As the embodiment of the people, he said chiefs and queens required training to enable them to manage conflicts effectively in the communities.