Ashanti Regional Peace Council Inaugurates and Trains Muslim Local Peace Committee Members

The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), in collaboration with the Office of the Regional Chief Imam, on Thursday, 7th May 2026 inaugurated and trained members of the Muslim Local Peace Committee at the Kumasi Central Mosque (Islamic Education Unit Conference Room).

The initiative aimed at strengthening community-based peacebuilding structures by equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills in conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue facilitation, reconciliation, and early warning response mechanisms within Zongo communities and the broader society.

The programme brought together key stakeholders including religious leaders, traditional authorities, security agencies, local government representatives, and community actors committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion across the region.

Among the dignitaries present were Dr. Harriet Takyi (ARPC Chairperson), Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Badu Amoah (Regional Executive Secretary, ARPC), Apostle Dr. Bright Bill Kwabla Sosu (ARPC Board Member), Sheikh Zakariya Abdul Suleman (Regional Chief Imam), Hon. Abubakar Saddiq (MCE, Tafo Municipal Assembly), and Hon. Dr. Ben Abdullah Alhassan (MCE, Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly).

In her address, Dr. Harriet Takyi emphasized that peacebuilding begins at the community level and that Local Peace Committees serve as the first line of defense against conflict. She encouraged committee members to work closely with community leaders, youth groups, women groups, security agencies, and local authorities to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent violence.

She noted that peace remains the foundation for development and social progress, stressing that misinformation, intolerance, and rising tensions within communities can easily trigger avoidable conflicts if not addressed promptly. She further reminded members that their responsibilities require neutrality, integrity, courage, and commitment to justice and unity.

Delivering a presentation during the workshop, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Badu Amoah underscored the importance of early warning and preventive peace interventions, stating that “early identification of tension is not about reacting to conflict, but preventing it before it escalates into violence.”

He guided participants through the standard operating procedures of the committee, outlined their roles and responsibilities, and highlighted practical early warning indicators that can signal emerging conflicts within communities. He encouraged members to act as peace advocates by promoting dialogue, tolerance, and constructive engagement while collaborating with community leaders and local authorities to respond effectively to tensions and threats of violence.

Addressing the newly inaugurated members, Sheikh Zakariya Abdul Suleman, the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, charged them to serve as ambassadors of peace, unity, accountability, and understanding within and beyond the Zongo communities. He urged them to actively work within their communities to prevent conflict, strengthen dialogue, and promote peaceful coexistence among people from different backgrounds.

The training also focused on raising awareness on the dangers of vigilantism, violent extremism, and the proliferation of small arms, while strengthening collaboration between Muslim leaders, traditional authorities, security agencies, youth groups, women groups, and other stakeholders in sustaining peace and security.

A total of 25 members were officially inaugurated as Muslim Local Peace Committee Members.

Participating institutions included the Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), the Office of the Regional Chief Imam, the Zongo Traditional Council, the Council of Zongo Chiefs, and the Manhyia Police Division.