Youth trained as community peace ambassadors in Ashanti Region

The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC) has trained 100 young people from nine Municipalities and Districts in the Ashanti Region as Community Youth Peace Ambassadors to promote peace, prevent conflict and strengthen social cohesion in their communities.

The training workshop, held at the Presby Guest House in Adum, Kumasi, equipped the participants with practical knowledge and skills in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, conflict analysis, early warning, communication, mediation and community mobilisation.

The initiative forms part of efforts by the Peace Council to strengthen community-level mechanisms for preventing and managing conflicts, while empowering young people to play a more active role in maintaining peace.

The participants were drawn from Asokore Mampong, Oforikrom, Kwabre East, Suame, Asokwa, Ejisu, Atwima Kwanwoma, Ahafo Ano South West and other participating communities, alongside representatives of local peace structures, faith-based organisations and security agencies.

The programme was organised by the Ashanti Regional Peace Council in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

The training provided a platform for participants to examine the causes and dynamics of conflict in their communities and explore practical approaches to early identification and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The participants were also introduced to the importance of effective communication, mediation and community engagement in addressing tensions before they escalate into violence.

At the end of the training, the 100 Community Youth Peace Ambassadors are expected to serve as peace advocates and early warning actors within their respective communities.

Through their engagement with community members, the ambassadors are expected to promote dialogue, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion, while supporting local efforts to identify and address potential sources of conflict.