Peace Education and Sensitization for Students in Junior and Senior High Schools – Ashanti Region

Date & Venue: Thursday, 9th October 2025 – South Suntreso SDA Basic School, Assembly Hall
Region: Ashanti Region
Donors: Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC) and Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW)
Collaborating Agency: South Suntreso SDA Basic School

Project Overview

The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), in collaboration with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW), organized a peace education and sensitization programme at South Suntreso SDA Basic School. The initiative aimed at raising awareness among students about the dangers of illegal possession and use of small arms, while promoting non-violent approaches to conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence in schools.

Project Objectives

The project sought to:

  • Educate students on the consequences of illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons.

  • Establish Peace Ambassadors Clubs in junior and senior high schools across the region.

  • Promote peaceful coexistence among students by equipping them with conflict resolution and non-violent communication skills.

Expected Outcomes

The initiative was expected to:

  • Equip students with non-violent methods of reacting to and resolving differences.

  • Prevent and combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.

  • Improve understanding of peaceful coexistence among students and increase youth participation in conflict prevention.

  • Develop a critical mass of future peacebuilders capable of promoting harmony within their communities.

Dignitaries Present

  • Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Acting Regional Director, Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW)

  • Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah, Programmes Manager, ARPC

  • Ms. Joycelyn Anima Aboraa Boateng, Programmes Manager, ARPC

  • Staff of the ARPC and SALW Commission

  • Administration and teaching staff of South Suntreso SDA Basic School

Highlights from Key Remarks

Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah (Programmes Manager, ARPC):

“The use of violence, whether physical or verbal, among the youth is becoming increasingly predominant in Ghana, posing a threat to peace and security. Unlike conflict, violence is not inevitable but can be prevented through dialogue, respect for opinions, and acceptance of diversity. As young people, let us cultivate the habit of resolving conflicts through non-violent means.”

Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro (Ag. Regional Director, SALW):

“It is our civic responsibility to report any movement of weapons in our communities to prevent tragedy. Firearms in the hands of young people could lead to irreversible harm. One gun in the wrong hands within a school environment can destroy many lives. Students must therefore remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or weapons on campus to the appropriate authorities.”

Participating Institutions

  • Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC)

  • Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW)

  • South Suntreso SDA Basic School (Students, Administration, and Teachers)

Over 300 students participated in this vital peace education and sensitization programme.