Tempane: The Upper East Regional Peace Council has taken significant steps to empower youth and women in the Tempane District to lead peace-building efforts and prevent the infiltration of violent extremism.

According to Ghana News Agency, a two-day workshop was organized where youth from various border communities in the district were educated on several critical topics, including conflict resolution through dialogue, violent extremism, and the role of youth and women as peace agents. This initiative is part of a project titled 'Strengthen Local and National Mechanisms and Capabilities for Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) and Conflicts', under the broader Preventive Approach to Protecting Development in the Gulf of Guinea project, funded by the governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The project's primary objectives are to enhance the participation of women and youth in peace-building activities, foster a culture of resilience against violence, improve community cohesion, and strengthen partnerships between youth and women groups and local authorities for effective conflict prevention. Mr. Ali Anankpieng, Executive Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, highlighted the pivotal role of youth in both participating in and preventing conflicts, emphasizing the need to build their capacities to effectively resolve and prevent conflicts and violent extremism.

Mr. William Adongo, Project Officer, PVE, UNDP Ghana, pointed out a UNDP study indicating that women and youth were not fully engaged in conflict resolution efforts. The training, he stated, is designed to enhance their capabilities in conflict prevention and resolution. He reiterated UNDP's commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote peace for sustainable development, urging the youth to embrace their role as peace agents fervently.