Promoting Peaceful Coexistence In Mining Communities.

As part of efforts to promote #peace and social cohesion in Ghana’s mining communities, the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, in collaboration with Small Arms Commission, Ghana, held a sensitization program for community opinion leaders at Mfante in the Ahafo Ano North District on Thursday, 5th June 2025.

Themed around peace education, prevention of violent extremism, and the dangers of illegal arms possession, the session brought together 20 local opinion leaders to deepen their understanding of peaceful conflict resolution and strengthen community-based peacebuilding efforts.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Emmanuel Badu Amoah, PhD, the Regional Executive Secretary of ARPC, emphasized that “conflict is inevitable, but violence is preventable.” He urged community members to resolve differences through dialogue, respect for opposing views, and adherence to the rule of law.

Speaking on behalf of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Ag. Regional Director, warned against the proliferation of arms in mining areas, stressing the urgent need for multi-stakeholder action to curb the menace. “It is crucial to commence education on the laws and regulations on small arms in our mining communities,” he said.

Apostle Dr. Bright Bill Kwabla Sosu, ARPC Board Member, highlighted the rising threats of violent extremism in the West African sub-region. He called for sustained efforts in peacebuilding, warning that “peace is fragile and must be nurtured deliberately.”

The education session forms part of a broader project aimed at:

Sensitizing community leaders on the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act (Act 999)

Equipping participants with non-violent tools for conflict resolution

Educating leaders on the dangers and legal consequences of illicit arms possession

Building a new generation of peace ambassadors within high-risk communities

Also present was Nana Opoku Fofie, Peace Advocate, and Member of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council.

National Peace Council, Ghana continues to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that mining communities do not become flashpoints for violence, but rather models of peace and cooperation.