Alavanyo, Nkonya peace at last

The much-desired and sought-after peace of the Alavanyo-Nkonya twin communities in the Volta region has finally been realized after years of relentless efforts by successive governments and stakeholders.

The success was achieved through the selfless and dedicated efforts of Abraham Korbla Klutsey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Youth for Peace and Security Africa (YPS-Africa), who was motivated by the love for humanity and peace preservation.

He therefore made painstaking effort to pursue lasting peace to safeguard the future generation.

The conflict according to him and stakeholders has deprived the two communities of essential development and growth, whilst costing the scarce resources of the nation substantially.

Speaking to the press on October 17, 2024, YPS’ CEO recounted numerous strategic interventions put in place to achieve the lasting peace that has eluded the twin communities since 1913.

According to him, the organization under his distinguished leadership went to the two communities in 2013 and 2015 to kick start the peace process.

Abraham Klutse, who is also the CEO of the Citizens Network for Peace & Security Africa began their journey by building local resilience through an all-inclusive peace dialogue that involved all feuding stakeholders.

As part of the effort, the organization introduced application software aimed at helping to identify, prevent and solve conflicts.

He revealed further that, they had collaboration and cooperation from a volunteer from Japan, the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), the District Chief Executive (DCE), community leaders, the Volta Regional Peace Council and other stakeholders

He added that they engaged the Tayi community in Nkonya, which is one of the factions at the centre of the conflict.

He noted that they also formed Peace Clubs in both communities, including schools and tasked them with the need to compromise.

As part of the process, he revealed that they formed a peace negotiating and dialogue team in each community, making sure that there was women representation on the team, involving the chiefs, elders, youth and representatives of community dwellers.

They then engaged in a 2 year extensive peace building process in both communities, together with the Nkonya Paramount chief, developing a roadmap and strategy which was explained in detail and adopted by all parties, earning the organization a record number of wards for their efforts.

Resultantly, a book, which chronicles events leading to the achievements of the lasting peace titled ‘Peace Building At The Edge of Death’ was launched.