UNDP supports peace building capacity in Ghana

The United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP) has pledged its continuous support to strengthen Ghana’s capacity in conflict prevention and management to pave way for sustainable development.This, it states is based on its recognition and conviction that conflict and poverty are closely interrelated and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), conflict management and peace building must be vigorously pursued. In furtherance of this, the UNDP has presented a vehicle, (Toyota Land cruiser) to the Ghana National Peace Council (GNPC) to facilitate its work. The GNPC was established in mid 2006 in collaboration with government as part of UNDP’s project on “Strengthening National Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution” in Ghana.The Resident Representative of the UNDP, Mr. Dawda Toure at the presentation ceremony in Accra said his office hopes to work with the council to ensure peace in Ghana.He noted that as much as conflict can emerge in any society, early warning mechanisms to resolve them before they become violent happen to be necessary. Mr. Toure explained that about 60 to 70% of the population in Africa is between ages 18 to 35. However, enough has not been done to provide these youngsters a source of livelihood, particularly in the conflict areas where peace has or is being restored. “If we don’t find something for them to do, they would use their time to do things that would result in terrible outcomes,” he warned, adding that, “We need to make them less partisan and more independent.” He challenged the youth in Ghana to use the occasion of the 50th anniversary to preach peace and unity.A member of the Council, Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, of the Catholic Church expressed appreciation to the UNDP for its support, since the inception of the council. He said as members of the council, they consider their responsibility as a service in the interest of the nation. “We feel humbled to be brought together to respond to an urgent need for meaningful co-existence and growth in Ghana and Africa as a whole.” The UNDP has through its project on strengthening mechanisms for conflict prevention, management and resolution in Ghana committed $800,000 to the establishment and capacity building of Regional and District Peace Advisory Councils throughout the country. It will strengthen capacity of chiefs for modern leadership to be able to offer good leadership, build confidence of women and youth groups in divided communities, as well as build the capacity of the media to enable it self regulate its members.