Ashamti Regional Peace Council(ARPC) and Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW)  Sensitize Students on Peace and Small Arms Prevention

Project Title: Peace Education and Sensitization for Students in J.H.S & S.H.S

On Monday, 8th September 2025, the Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), in collaboration with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW) and the Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), organized a peace education and sensitization program for students of Junior and Senior High Schools in the region. The program aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of illicit arms possession, promoting peaceful coexistence, and inspiring students to become peace ambassadors in their schools and communities.

Project Objectives

  • To educate students on the consequences of illegal possession and usage of small arms and light weapons.

  • To establish Peace Ambassadors Clubs in JHS and SHS across the region.

  • To equip students with knowledge and skills for non-violent conflict resolution.

 Expected Outcomes

  • Students equipped with non-violent approaches to resolving differences.

  • Greater youth involvement in combating the proliferation of small arms nationwide.

  • Improved understanding of peaceful coexistence among students.

  • A critical mass of future peacebuilders capable of influencing their communities.

  • Increased awareness of the Vigilantism Related Offenses Act (Act 999) and the dangers of violent extremism.

 Dignitaries Present

  • Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro – Ag. Regional Director, SALW Commission

  • Rev. Emmanuel Badu Amoah, PhD – Regional Executive Secretary, ARPC

  • Mr. Benedict Boakye Nuamah – Vice Principal, Kumasi Technical Institute

  • Staff of ARPC, SALW Commission, and representatives of KTI (administration and teaching staff)

 Highlights from Keynote Speeches

Rev. Emmanuel Badu Amoah, PhD expressed concern about the rise of violence in schools across Ghana, cautioning that illicit possession of arms poses a serious threat to national security. He urged students to embrace dialogue, respect differing opinions, and adopt non-violent approaches to resolving disputes, stressing that firearms only escalate conflicts and endanger lives.

Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro warned against the dangers of firearms in the hands of young people, stressing that one weapon in the wrong hands within a school setting could cause irreversible harm. He encouraged students to be vigilant, report suspicious behavior, and play their part in preventing the illegal circulation of weapons.

Participating Institutions

  • Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC)

  • Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW)

  • Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) – Students, Administration & Teachers

A total of 3,500 students participated in this impactful peace education program.