STAR-Ghana trains 60 youth as peace ambassadors ahead of general elections

A total of 60 young people, comprising both males and females, have successfully undergone a one-day training program aimed at preparing them to serve as peace ambassadors during this year’s general elections.

The participants were selected from the New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern Region.

Training Seminar

The seminar, organised by STAR-Ghana Foundation in collaboration with the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly and funded by the BOTNAR Foundation, equipped the participants with essential knowledge and skills in peacebuilding.

The trainees represented various organisations, including the Anchieto Foundation for Education and Self-Help, Bibiaa Be Ye Fine Association, New Juaben South Youth Parliament, Divine Mother and Child Foundation, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Youth Authority (NYA), and the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly.

Promoting Peace

Following the training, participants are expected to develop actionable plans to promote peace in their communities. They will propagate messages of peace in churches, markets, lorry stations, and other public gatherings within the constituency.

Addressing the participants in Koforidua, the Project Manager for Rights to Services at STAR-Ghana Foundation, Raymond Danso, emphasised the significant role of youth during election periods.

He noted that it was crucial to equip individuals aged 15 to 35 with peacebuilding skills to encourage peaceful behavior among their peers, especially at polling stations and other key locations, to prevent potential violence.

Utilising Peer Influence

Mr. Danso highlighted that the trained youth would use both public platforms, such as churches, and digital spaces, including social media, to spread messages of peace. He stressed the importance of their role in inspiring their peers to commit to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the December 7 polls.

Youth Inclusion in Governance

Explaining the importance of peace, Mr. Danso remarked that without it, elections and community development could not progress.

"The youth cannot be ignored at this crucial election period. That is why we have roped them in as peace ambassadors to engage their peers in market places, churches, and other public spaces to ensure a peaceful electoral process," he stated.

He added that STAR-Ghana Foundation, with support from the BOTNAR Foundation, is leading a three-year Action for Youth Development (AfYD) project to enhance youth inclusion in governance and improve access to public services in Koforidua.

Critical Role of Youth

Mr. Danso pointed out that the upcoming elections presented a significant opportunity for young people to engage constructively in democratic processes. He described them as community influencers who can play a pivotal role in promoting peace.

Voices of the Peace Ambassadors

Joyce Asante, a peace ambassador from Srodae, a suburb of Koforidua, shared her commitment to persuading her peers to refrain from engaging in violent acts during the elections.

Similarly, Mutawakilu Mahama, another peace ambassador from Bonya Nyerede, pledged to collaborate with the police and the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure a peaceful election process.

The training underscores the importance of empowering young people as agents of peace and stability in their communities, especially during critical moments like elections.