The Chairman of the Eastern Regional Peace Council, Professor Mark Boadu, has unveiled plans to roll out a series of capacity-building initiatives to empower traditional leaders and key stakeholders in the region.
He said, “These programs will focus on enhancing conflict resolution, leadership, and governance practices, with a strong emphasis on promoting peace and stability within communities.”
He made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Dasaabre Kwaku Boateng III, on Thursday, to strengthen ties between the Peace Council and traditional authorities and address challenges affecting the region, particularly issues surrounding youth involvement in violent extremism and the ongoing management of chieftaincy conflicts.
Professor Boadu noted the indispensable role that traditional leaders play in promoting peace, preserving cultural heritage, and driving community development, emphasising the importance of continuous engagement with traditional authorities and other community leaders to effectively tackle the root causes of conflict and violence.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working hand-in-hand with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the Eastern Region and called on all Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to actively participate in the peacebuilding process and reject the ideologies of violence and extremism.
Dasaabre Kwaku Boateng III highlighted structural challenges facing the chieftaincy institution, noting that the authority of chiefs, particularly their ability to summon individuals, has weakened over time, limiting their effectiveness in maintaining discipline and addressing community-level conflict.
He further explained the role of queen mothers in the Akan chieftaincy system as principal kingmakers, emphasising that their nominations are subject to consultation and approval by other kingmakers to ensure legitimacy and stability.
The Omanhene commended the Eastern Regional Peace Council for its tireless efforts in promoting peacebuilding initiatives and expressed his full support for the planned programs.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
