The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC) has trained 60 young people as community youth peace ambassadors in Mankranso, Ahafo Ano South West District.
The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen peacebuilding and promote social cohesion in the area.
The training workshop, held on Monday at the District Assembly Conference Hall, brought together youth leaders, community stakeholders, and partner institutions to deepen participants’ understanding of conflict and peacebuilding concepts.
It also sought to promote dialogue and tolerance, while equipping the youth with practical skills in conflict analysis, early warning systems, mediation, and community mobilisation.
Delivering the keynote address, the ARPC Chairperson, Dr Harriet Takyi, underscored the critical role of young people in sustaining peace within their communities.
She emphasised that lasting peace begins with empowering the youth to recognise themselves as key stakeholders in maintaining harmony and stability.
Dr Takyi urged the participants to reject violence and position themselves as custodians of peace in their respective communities.
The Regional Executive Secretary of the Council, Rev. Dr Emmanuel Badu Amoah, noted that conflict was a natural aspect of human interaction but must be effectively managed through strong peace infrastructures.
He encouraged the youth to promote peaceful coexistence, counter hate speech and misinformation, and facilitate dialogue in their schools and communities.
The District Coordinating Director, Mr Atsu Akwasidor, said peacebuilding and social cohesion were fundamental to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
He commended the organisers for the initiative and urged the newly trained ambassadors to serve as bridges between communities while advocating unity and mutual respect.
The initiative is expected to improve public understanding of peacebuilding, strengthen tolerance and respect for diversity, enhance community conflict response capacity, and increase youth advocacy for peace and social inclusion in the district.
The training was done in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
