NYA, KAIPTC host consultative meeting to discuss development of National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security

The National Youth Authority (NYA) has engaged stakeholders within the peace and security ecosystem in a consultative meeting geared towards the development of a National Action Plan for Youth Peace and Security.

The Tuesday, January 30 event allowed for broad participation from representatives spanning government Ministries and agencies, UN Systems, youth and student groups, youth wings of political parties in Ghana, multilateral institutions, religious bodies, traditional authorities, media and academia, with platform and facilitation done in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peace and Training Center (KAIPTC).

CEO of the Authority, Pius Enam Hadzide intimated that the National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security is necessitated by an upsurge in pockets of conflict and violence, along with underlying socio-economic disparities that continue to pose risks to Ghana’s peace and hinder sustainable development.

It follows the acknowledgement of the youth’s potential as catalysts for positive change, and the need to prioritize their inclusion, protection, and empowerment in the country's peacebuilding efforts.

The move forms part of government’s continuous efforts to enhance existing environments in order to boost the awareness of youth to contribute positively to peace and security in Ghana, in congruence with Article 17 of the African Youth Charter, which mandates state parties to strengthen the capacity of young people and youth organizations in peace building, conflict prevention and conflict resolution through the promotion of intercultural learning and civic education.

It is noteworthy to mention that the Government of Ghana affirmed its commitment with the inclusion of Youth Conflict and Peace Building as a key thematic area in the recently launched National Youth Policy (2022-2032). It emphasizes on the need to intensify the involvement of the youth at all levels even though most of the conflict resolution mechanisms, strategies and processes have been extensive.

Government will therefore, through the management of NYA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, allocate adequate financial resources for the implementation of the action plan, with collaboration between agencies, youth groups, donor agencies, and civil society organizations.

“To this end, we will set up capacity-building programs designed to equip our youth with the necessary tools for conflict resolution, dialogue facilitation, and community-based peacebuilding,” the CEO noted. “We will work tirelessly to instil a culture of non-violence, countering extremism through the power of education and understanding.”

“We will also establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework that will ensure accountability, transparency, and adaptability to changing circumstances. This framework will be our compass, guiding us toward the successful implementation of the National Action Plan”

The consultative meeting came off at the Kofi Annan International Peace and Training Centre in Accra.