In preparation for the inaugural Ghana National Youth Conference on Peace and Security, Youth Advocates Ghana (YAG) convened a Stakeholder Engagement Meeting at the UNDP Ghana country office.
This meeting gathered key players to plan and set the stage for the conference, which is slated for October 23-25, 2024.
Emmanuel Ametepey, Executive Director of YAG, opened the session by emphasizing the crucial role of young people in maintaining peace and security, particularly in the lead-up to the general elections. He stated, “Incorporating youth voices is not just beneficial; it’s imperative for the development of a National Action Plan that truly reflects the aspirations and potential of our young population in peacebuilding.” The conference’s goal is to empower Ghanaian youth to become peace advocates and cultivate a cooperative spirit essential for conflict resolution.
Dr. Edward Ampratwum, Governance Lead at the United Nations Development Programme – Ghana, highlighted the importance of gender inclusivity in peace initiatives, especially in the Northern Region of Ghana. He remarked, “Our vision extends to transforming women from mere beneficiaries to leaders in these critical conversations,” resonating with UN Resolution 1325, which advocates for increased female participation in peace processes.
Archibald Donkoh Jr., Director of Programs at the National Youth Authority (NYA), stressed the conference’s importance as a platform for youth engagement. He added, “The NYA is fully committed to ensuring substantial youth participation, aligning with Ghana’s National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security.”
The UNFPA representative underscored the pivotal role of Ghana’s adolescent and youth demographic in peace building and reiterated the organization’s dedication to supporting youth groups like YAG in fostering safe, violence-free environments. “Our engagement in this conference is a clear reflection of UNFPA’s commitment to empowering the youth of Ghana,” asserted Dzigbordi Akosua Agbenyo, speaking on behalf of Ms. Adjoa Yenyi, UNFPA Ghana’s Adolescent and Youth Development Programme Specialist. Ms. Dzigbordi affirmed the necessity of integrating comprehensive, youth-focused approaches into national security policies to enhance the impact of sustainable peace initiatives.
The meeting also tackled the issue of inclusion, emphasizing the need to integrate diverse groups into the peace and security dialogue, including persons with disabilities and adolescents. Stakeholders discussed the broader implications of migration driven by conflict and the pursuit of stability through improved governance, aligning these efforts with the UN Agenda 2030’s goals of people, prosperity, planet, partnership, and peace.
This consultation has laid the groundwork for a pivotal conference aimed at shaping a more peaceful and secure future for Ghana, driven by the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders and led by the youth. In his closing remarks, Emmanuel Ametepey encouraged like-minded stakeholders committed to fostering a resilient future for Ghana’s youth to partner with YAG in advocating for peace before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.
BY MABEL NYADEDZOR
Read more: YAG leads stakeholder engagement ahead of National Youth Conference on Peace and Security
