ARPC and SALW Commission Sensitize Over 1,400 Students on Peace Education and Violence Prevention in Ashanti Region
The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), in collaboration with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW) and Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, has organized a comprehensive Peace Education and Sensitization programme for Junior High School and Senior High School students in the Ashanti Region.
The programme, held on Monday, 25th May 2026 at the Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS Assembly Hall, brought together over 1,400 students, teachers, and stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence, violence prevention, and youth participation in peacebuilding initiatives.
Promoting Peaceful Behaviour and Legal Awareness Among Students
The initiative aimed at educating students on the Vigilantism and Related Offenses Act, 2019 (Act 999), the consequences of student violence, and the dangers associated with the illegal possession and use of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
It further sought to establish Peace Ambassadors Clubs in JHS and SHS across the Ashanti Region, while equipping students with non-violent approaches to resolving conflicts and promoting harmonious coexistence.
Educating Students on Law, Discipline, and Security
Speaking at the programme, the Regional Executive Secretary of ARPC, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Badu Amoah, emphasized that peace begins with individual attitudes, words, and actions.
He encouraged students to respect others, avoid bullying, support peers in resolving conflicts peacefully, and reject involvement in violent groups. He noted that although vigilantism is often associated with political contexts, similar behaviours among young people in schools are equally dangerous and unacceptable.
He further explained that the Vigilantism and Related Offenses Act, 2019 (Act 999) criminalizes the formation, funding, support, recruitment, or participation in vigilante groups, with offenders liable to imprisonment of between 10 and 15 years.
The Regional Director of the SALW Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, also sensitized students on the dangers of illegal possession and misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
He stressed that such practices remain a major threat to peace and security, as weapons in the wrong hands often lead to violence, crime, and loss of innocent lives. He further cautioned that unlawful possession of arms is a serious criminal offence in Ghana, punishable by arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.
Building a Generation of Young Peace Ambassadors
The programme is expected to enhance students’ understanding of conflict prevention, strengthen their capacity to apply non-violent methods in resolving disputes, and promote awareness of the consequences of violence and illicit arms possession.
It also aims to cultivate a critical mass of young peacebuilders who will actively contribute to conflict prevention and peacebuilding within their schools and communities.
In total, over 1,400 students participated in the sensitization exercise.
