By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Agogo (Ash), March 05, GNA – The Ashanti Regional office of the National Peace Council has organised a one-day training workshop at Agogo in the Asante-Akim North District for selected youth to serve as community peace ambassadors in their respective localities.
The workshop was aimed at equipping the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to promote peaceful coexistence, educate their peers on the importance of dialogue, and help prevent conflicts within their communities.
Dr. Harriet Takyi, the Ashanti Regional Chairperson of the National Peace Council, addressing participants, stressed that peace remained essential for development and must be safeguarded at all times.
She explained that, the training programme was designed to empower young people to become advocates for peace by promoting dialogue, tolerance and harmony among their peers.
Dr. Takyi also urged traditional and opinion leaders to work closely with the youth to sustain peace initiatives and ensure early response to emerging tensions.
According to her, the initiative seeks to build a network of youth ambassadors, who would collaborate with local leaders to promote non-violent approaches to conflict resolution at the community level.
Mrs. Mary Amoakoah, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asante-Akim North, called on residents to uphold peace in all their activities and serve as agents of positive change within their communities.
She noted that maintaining peace formed part of efforts to strengthen security and development in the district.
She therefore, encouraged residents to support the work of the Ghana Police Service, participate in community clean-up and outreach activities, and prioritise dialogue in resolving disputes.
The DCE further advised the youth to “silence the gun rather than allow themselves to be silenced by the gun,” urging them to reject violence and contribute meaningfully to building a peaceful society.
She also appealed to all stakeholders to work together to promote peaceful coexistence and make the district a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Mr. Ken Emmanuel Owusu, Ashanti Regional Director of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, said the Commission was intensifying efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms in the district.
He disclosed that the Commission recently launched a joint operation with the Ghana Police Service to retrieve illegally acquired arms and light weapons across the country.
“The Commission is also stepping up public sensitisation campaigns, particularly in schools and vulnerable communities, to educate the public on the dangers associated with the possession and misuse of firearms”, he said.
He therefore urged citizens to report any suspected illegal possession or use of firearms to the appropriate authorities.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade