In preparation for the 2024 Ghanaian elections, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has initiated a specialized training program aimed at empowering women mediators to address electoral disputes. The three-day workshop, which commenced on October 28, represents a commitment to fostering a peaceful voting environment. It equips women with essential mediation skills to manage conflicts both at local and national levels. This training is a collaborative effort between KAIPTC’s Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) and numerous organizations, including the Consortium for the Women Situation Room, FOSDA, and the African Women Leaders Network. The program emphasizes the significance of peace and inclusivity as the nation prepares for the elections, focusing on dialogue and mediation strategies to ensure a transparent electoral process.
Mr. Edmund Akoto Bamfo, Senior Programme Officer at WYPSI, highlighted the vital role women play in conflict resolution during his opening remarks. He noted that women have historically been integral to peacekeeping efforts at various levels. The training is designed to enhance their capacity to mediate potential conflicts arising before, during, and after the elections. Bamfo urged participants to approach the training with an open mind and to commit to a peaceful electoral process. He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Sweden for its continued support of peace initiatives throughout Africa.
Mrs. Agnes Agbevadi, another Senior Programme Officer at WYPSI, clarified that the initiative serves as a precautionary measure rather than an indication of anticipated electoral violence. She emphasized the importance of being prepared to intervene proactively at the community level, should conflicts arise. Agbevadi encouraged the youth to remain peaceful and tolerant, emphasizing the critical role they play in ensuring a harmonious electoral environment. Her remarks underscored the necessity for dialogue and understanding among all electoral stakeholders.
Her Eminence Mrs. Joana Opare, a Board Member of the National Peace Council, urged participants to take the training seriously, recognizing that their involvement could significantly influence the stability of post-election Ghana. She encouraged attendees to envision the result of their collective efforts—a unified and peaceful nation. Similarly, Ms. Theodora Anti Williams, Executive Director of FOSDA, acknowledged the heightened competition and tension surrounding the upcoming elections and reinforced the need to equip women with the confidence and skills necessary to engage meaningfully in the electoral process. Her appreciation for KAIPTC and WYPSI emphasized the relevance and timeliness of the training in light of these challenges.
The responsibility of women in sustaining peace was a recurring theme, championed by Dr. Charity Binka, Chair of the Ghana chapter of the African Women Leaders Network. She articulated the urgent need for women to take ownership of peacekeeping efforts, as they are often disproportionately affected by conflict. Binka implored participants to approach the training with seriousness, urging them to disseminate their newly acquired skills within their families and communities to foster a culture of peace through the electoral period and beyond.
Among the participants, Hajia Hamidatu Ibrahim Hussein voiced the consensus on the importance of community education. She highlighted the necessity of enlightening their families about the implications of violent elections, which primarily affect women and children. By cultivating awareness and promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process, women can play a transformative role in securing a stable and peaceful Ghana. The KAIPTC training program thus stands as a pivotal initiative in underscoring the impact of women in peacebuilding, positioning them as essential contributors to a fair, inclusive, and violence-free 2024 election—efforts that could enhance Ghana’s reputation as a model of democratic resilience in Africa.
