With the 2024 elections just weeks away, a strategic workshop was organized in Koforidua to empower youth peace ambassadors with skills to foster peace and security during and after the electoral process. Aimed at training young leaders from STAR-Ghana Foundation’s KofKro project partners and other youth in the New Juaben South municipality, this workshop underscored the critical role of youth in ensuring a peaceful and secure election season.
The training, facilitated by Dr. Festus Kofi Aubyn from the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Ghana), equipped participants with essential skills to monitor, report, and mediate signs of unrest within their communities. Through Dr. Aubyn’s presentations, the youth learned vital techniques in peace education, Ghana’s political situational awareness, and mediation principles—skills crucial for reducing the potential for conflict and promoting a culture of non-violence during the elections. The workshop was a collaborative effort between STAR-Ghana Foundation, the National Youth Authority, and other key local stakeholders, creating a well-rounded support network for these youth peace ambassadors.
Representatives from the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly added valuable insights on fostering peace and safety within the electoral environment. Superintendent Emmanuel T. Yankah, the Divisional Crime Officer for Koforidua, addressed the youth on the importance of understanding the mediation process and the critical need for peaceful conduct during elections. His address emphasized the youth's role in diffusing tensions and preventing potential confrontations, reminding participants of the pivotal role they play in ensuring a safe environment for all citizens.
Through interactive sessions, participants were divided into small groups to undertake practical exercises on mediation and case study deliberations. These exercises involved analyzing hypothetical scenarios and developing strategies for peaceful advocacy. This collaborative approach strengthened their capacity to handle real-life situations as election day approaches. The exercise concluded with each group presenting strategies for promoting peaceful elections within their communities, sparking discussions on how best to mobilize others in their advocacy for peace.
In the closing session Projects Manager for Rights to Services at STAR-Ghana, reitrated the importance of community support and involvement. The youth ambassadors committed to championing peace education within their communities, engaging their peers to raise awareness about the significance of a peaceful electoral process. Their efforts will serve as a vital support system, helping to safeguard the elections and uphold democratic values in New Juaben South. This initiative follows a prior training held for KofKro partners focused on mobilization and advocacy skills, underscoring STAR-Ghana Foundation’s commitment to promoting democracy and active citizenship in Ghana.
The workshop not only prepared these young leaders to advocate for peace during the elections but also equipped them with lifelong skills in mediation and community engagement. STAR-Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with local authorities, continue to empower youth and strengthening Ghana’s democracy through such initiatives. As election day draws closer, these youth peace ambassadors will continue to stand as pillars of support for their communities, ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process for all.
