The Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders in Peacebuilding – Central Region

The Central Regional Peace Council (CRPC), in collaboration with Kastle FM, Cape Coast, hosted a public education programme on “The Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders in Peacebuilding” on 21st October 2025 at the Kastle FM Studio in Cape Coast.

The event aimed to highlight the crucial contributions of traditional and religious leaders in maintaining peace, unity, and social cohesion within communities, especially during times of political tension and misunderstanding.

Objectives of the Programme

The initiative sought to:

  • Raise awareness of the important roles traditional and religious leaders play in promoting peace and unity.

  • Strengthen collaboration between the CRPC and community leaders in sustaining peace at the grassroots level.

  • Encourage inclusive peacebuilding that involves women, youth, and all community stakeholders.

Expected Outcomes

The programme is expected to enhance public understanding of peace leadership, promote closer cooperation between the CRPC and local authorities, and inspire a deeper commitment among traditional and religious figures to act as ambassadors of peace within their communities.

Key Highlights

Distinguished speakers at the event included Mama Awotsu Adzagba II and Sheikh Abdul Yahaya Shafiq, both Council Members of the Central Regional Peace Council.

In his keynote address, Sheikh Abdul Yahaya Shafiq emphasized the moral duty of leaders to foster peace and unity within society:

“Traditional and religious leaders have a God-given responsibility to guide their communities in righteousness, fairness, and wisdom. Our influence must be used to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence. When leaders act justly and lead by example, they become instruments of unity and peace.”

Mama Awotsu Adzagba II highlighted the importance of neutrality, inclusiveness, and integrity in leadership:

“Peace is essential to every aspect of life, and as custodians of the land, traditional leaders must remain neutral, fair, and just in their leadership. Integrity and inclusiveness are key to sustaining community harmony. Empowering women and involving all leaders in peace efforts ensure that peace becomes everyone’s responsibility.”

Participating Institutions

  • Central Regional Peace Council (CRPC)

  • Kastle FM, Cape Coast

The CRPC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional and religious institutions to promote lasting peace and stability across the Central Region.