By Konrad Kodjo DJAISI
The National Youth Authority (NYA), in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), held a dissemination workshop last week Friday, September 2024 – a critical step in the development of Ghana’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS).
The workshop stemmed from the Technical Working Group on Youth, Peace, and Security’s inaugural retreat held in Koforidua earlier this month – seeking to inform key stakeholders and raise awareness of the National Action Plan (NAP) development process.
The National Action Plan (NAP) is being developed as part of Ghana’s broader commitment to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which emphasises the need for meaningful youth engagement in peace and security initiatives.
Therefore, NAP is envisioned to empower youths as key drivers in peace-building, conflict resolution and creating a resilient future.
Deputy Commandant-KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, said the successful retreat by the Technical Working Group in Koforidua provides an invaluable opportunity to share the outcomes, roadmap, principles and key considerations that were developed during those intensive discussions.
He added that the Youth, Peace and Security agenda is central not only to the stability and development of Ghana but also broader peace and security dynamics across Africa.
For her part, Ms. Teresa Kraft, Head of component GIZ, said she’s pleased that Ghana is taking steps to domesticate and mainstream the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
“This is a conscious shift and deliberate effort to embrace youth inclusivity and engagement in decision-making.”
However, she noted that the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda is ambitious.
” Empowering youth to take on responsibility in promoting peace and security means reviewing the way we shape our respective societies. It also requires reviewing the way we run our organisations and projects. We even have to challenge our own mindsets, opening up to youth and giving them a greater role.”
The NAP development process has received substantial support from the German government through the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), highlighting the commitment of international partners to promoting youth-led peace initiatives.
UNFPA Remarks at the Stakeholders Dissemination Meeting observed that the roadmap outlines a participatory approach that emphasises collaboration across sectors and with all stakeholders.
“By involving youth in every step of the development process, we are not only fulfilling international commitments but also recognising the critical role young people play in preventing conflict, fostering social cohesion and building resilient communities.”
