A two-day peace training workshop, dubbed the Teshie Homowo School, has been organised by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) to strengthen the role of traditional leaders in peace building and conflict resolution.
The Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, speaking at the event in Accra yesterday, said the role of chiefs and traditional rulers in building peace and resolving disputes remained central in Ghana’s communities.
According to him, traditional leaders continue to play a vital role in maintaining harmony within the local government system. He explained that the peace and security landscape in Ghana and across West Africa had become more complex, with challenges such as land disputes, farmer-herder conflicts, illegal mining, political tensions, youth unemployment, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and the spread of misinformation on social media.
These issues, he noted, required the active involvement of traditional rulers, who are custodians of culture and land. Brigadier General Ayorrogo emphasised that enhancing the knowledge and skills of chiefs through training, dialogue, and exchange of ideas is critical.
“This seminar, which is the second edition, is held under the theme ‘One People, One Culture, One Heritage – Building Capacity to Strengthen Traditional Leadership for Peace.’ It is important because when we build the capacity of our chiefs, we build the peace of our nation,” he said.
He added that chiefs equipped with negotiation and mediation skills would be able to settle disputes at the community level before they escalate into major conflicts. They could also provide useful ideas to government, support local governance, and ensure peaceful coexistence among different groups. “A competent traditional leader can become a source of stability in challenging times,” he stressed.
The Registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Mr Enoch Addo, also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. He observed that conflicts that often emerge during festivals and communal gatherings have, in the past, led to unfortunate incidents including loss of lives and destruction of property.
According to him, the peace-building programme would help address some of the challenges facing chieftaincy institutions and the larger community. He thanked the Ministry for supporting the programme and expressed hope that it would eventually become a national policy.
“It is my prayer that the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, together with traditional leaders, would continue to reconcile people to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during our festivals and in our communities,” he said.
Mr Addo further urged participants to pay attention to the facilitators, who he said are experts in governance and conflict resolution. He noted that the knowledge gained should be applied to ensure lasting peace in the communities.
On his part, the Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, Teshie Mantse and President of the Teshie Traditional Council, advised participants to make the most of the opportunity.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
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