By Eric Appah Marfo/ Eugenia Otenwaa
Accra, Oct.24, GNA – Abraham Korbla Klutsey, an Author and Peace advocate, has advised the youth to be agents of peace and eschew all acts that fuel conflicts.
He said the youth were the most negatively affected during conflicts and urged them not to allow themselves to be used by anyone to cause chaos in their communities.
Mr Klutsey gave the advice at the launch of his book, “Peacebuilding at the Edge of Death,” on Thursday in Accra.
The book chronicles Abraham Klutsey’s courageous journey, living among the conflict-torn communities of Alavanyo and Nkonya from 2013 to 2015.
Klutsey’s self-funded mission involved resigning from his job and immersing himself in the heart of the turmoil.
Through community engagement, trauma counselling, and disbanding armed groups, Klutsey achieved remarkable success in fostering extended peace.
The book underscores the importance of grassroots initiatives and youth involvement, offering practical solutions for conflict resolution and sustainable peacebuilding.
Mr Klutsey, also the Executive Director of Youth for Peace and Security Africa and Citizens’ Network for Peace and Security in Africa, urged peace or conflict mediators to document their experiences to serve as a guide to those seeking to be mediators in other conflict zones.
He recounted the challenges he faced in carrying out the project, especially with funding, and thanked everyone who supported him in making the work successful.
“The difficulties started with the fact that at the time I was writing the book, I had already sold my personal laptop to invest in the project. When I was almost a year into the project, people were beginning to see what I was doing.”
“At a point when I ran out of cash, I had to fall on some friends for money to support my feeding and others. I am very appreciative of all those who came through for me. Because of how young I was, it was difficult to convince even the government to put any cash into it. But they were all supportive in terms of welcoming me, giving me all kinds of information,” he said.
Mr Klutsey said his organisation was currently working in communities in Ghana and other African countries to build resilience against conflict, violence, and extremism.
He hinted at an app being developed to collect real-time data on conflict zones to help mediators access information before visiting such areas.
Professor Benedicta Fosu-Mensah, speaking on behalf of Mr John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, said the book was timely as the 2024 General Election was fast approaching and lauded the author.
“Without peace, there cannot be development. Where there is conflict, no progress can go on. We are glad to be part of this. Conflict results in lots of disasters and most often the innocent and vulnerable are those impacted the most,” she said.
Hajia Hamidatu Ibrahim Nussah, a Leading Member of the Convention People’s Party, advised politicians to trumpet messages of peace during their campaigns and encourage the youth to embrace peace.
She urged the youth to channel their talents and energies to productive ventures, focusing on building capacities that would secure their future.
The event was graced by representatives of the National Peace Council, Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and other civil society groups who extended congratulatory messages to the author and advocated for peaceful elections.
GNA