Peace Council Sensitizes Accra Academy Students on Violence Prevention and Peacebuilding-Greater Accra Regional Peace Council (GARPC)

Peace Council Sensitizes Accra Academy Students on Violence Prevention and Peacebuilding

On 23rd July 2025, the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council (GARPC) held a peace education and sensitization session at Accra Academy, bringing together over 700 students and staff to promote nonviolence, conflict resolution, and civic responsibility.

The outreach formed part of the Council’s strategic goal to instill values of peace, tolerance, and national unity among Ghanaian youth. It aimed to:

• Raise awareness of the National Peace Council’s (NPC) mandate,

• Equip students with tools for managing conflict and communicating respectfully,

• Sensitize them on the dangers of violence, bullying, and radicalization,

• Encourage the creation of inclusive and non-violent school environments.

Dr. Afua Yakohene, an Eminent Member of the Council, outlined NPC’s role in sustaining peace and managing conflicts across the country. She emphasized that schools must serve as safe and conducive spaces for learning—free from violence, bullying, and fear. Drawing attention to the causes and ripple effects of violence, she advised students to adopt peaceful conflict resolution strategies such as empathy, negotiation, and forgiveness.

Kwesi Botchway from the National Security Secretariat cautioned students about the growing threats of violent extremism in neighboring countries and underscored the importance of staying vigilant. He encouraged students to report suspicious activities anonymously, assuring them of confidentiality. “If you see something, say something. Call 999,” he reiterated.

Mark Kofie, Programme Coordinator at the National Blood Service, highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation in saving lives. He educated the students on donor eligibility and encouraged them to consider becoming life-saving donors in future. “Donate blood today to save life tomorrow,” he urged, reminding them that the blood card they receive can help their relatives during emergencies.

Dignitaries present included:

• Eric Ebo Sey, Headmaster

• Kofi Yesu, Assistant Headmaster (Administration)

• William Asun & Isaac Tweneboah, Assistant Headmasters (Domestic)

• Amoak Jacob, National Security Secretariat

• Noeline Tsifokpor-Virolle Kumor, National Blood Service

The event successfully strengthened student awareness about the need for peace and personal responsibility, fostering a culture of resilience and active citizenship within the school.