A national consultation on the development of Ghana’s Youth, Peace and Security Action Plan has been held in Accra as part of efforts to strengthen peacebuilding in the country. The event was organised by the 8 (NYA). The consultation brought together Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), government agencies, international partners and key stakeholders to discuss the future of Ghana’s peace and youth development agenda.
Stakeholders Unite for Peace
Participants deliberated on key issues affecting peace, youth development and their negative impacts on human development. Speakers discussed peace and development from different dimensions, including youth unemployment, conflict prevention, social cohesion, leadership, and the role of young people in national development. They emphasised the need for a comprehensive and inclusive Action Plan that reflects the realities of Ghanaian youth and gives them a meaningful voice in peacebuilding processes.
Call for Ministry of Peace
Contributing to the discussions, the President of the Universal Friendship Organisation, Ghana, Mr. Samuel Adobah, raised concerns about the current state of peace in Ghana. He suggested that the government should establish a dedicated institution to be in charge of peace, proposing the creation of a Ministry of Peace and Development that would be responsible for peace advocacy. According to him, other countries have established similar institutions, and an institutional framework will support sustained peace advocacy campaigns in Ghana.
Need for More Commitment and Funding
Mr. Adobah believes government needs to show more commitment to peacebuilding advocacy. He said peace should not be treated as an occasional campaign activity, but as a permanent national priority backed by policy, funding and institutions. He called for dedicated funding to support various organisations and youth groups interested in peace and development.
He emphasised that due to the lack of institutional commitment to peace advocacy, Ghana’s peace ranking has declined over the past five years, a situation which will have negative impacts on the country’s socio-economic development. “Government should allocate financial commitment, and not only during election periods before we see advocacy on peace, but rather make it an everyday routine,” he stressed.
CSOs Not Visible
Mr. Adobah also lamented that Civil Society Organisations championing peace and stability are not seen or adequately supported. He noted that although many Ghanaians believe Ghana is a peaceful nation, there are many underlying issues affecting citizens that must be addressed to sustain the peace.
Way Forward
Participants expressed optimism that the consultation would help shape a practical Youth, Peace and Security Action Plan that will promote national unity, prevent conflict, and empower young people to become agents of peace. The National Youth Authority is expected to incorporate the views and recommendations from the consultation into the final Action Plan for implementation across the country.
