Ashanti Regional Peace Council Sensitizes Pupils on Peaceful Conflict Resolution and the Dangers of Illegal Weapons

The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), in collaboration with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW), has engaged pupils of Adum Presby Primary School as part of its peace education and sensitization programme aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible behaviour and conflict prevention among young people.

The engagement, held on Thursday, 16th July 2026 at the Adum Presby Primary School Conference Room, focused on equipping pupils with skills for resolving disagreements peacefully, increasing awareness of the dangers associated with illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons, and promoting a culture of dialogue and respect.

Speaking during the programme, Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah, Senior Programmes Manager of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, highlighted concerns about increasing cases of violence among young people, including bullying, fighting, threats and other behaviours that disrupt learning and weaken relationships within schools.

He encouraged students to understand that violence is never a solution to disagreements. Instead, he urged them to practise patience, tolerance, self-control and respect for different opinions, while using appropriate school channels to address grievances.

Mr. Amponsah further encouraged students to become peace ambassadors by promoting kindness, dialogue and peaceful relationships among their peers.

Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Regional Director of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW), sensitized students on the dangers posed by the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons. He explained that illegal weapons in schools and communities threaten the safety of students, teachers and the wider society.

He cautioned students against involvement with weapons and encouraged them to report any suspicious movement or possession of arms to responsible authorities. He emphasized that unlawful possession or use of firearms is a serious offence that carries legal consequences.

The programme reinforced the importance of building safe learning environments where conflicts are addressed through dialogue rather than violence and where young people actively contribute to peacebuilding.

The session was attended by representatives from the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission, Adum Presby Primary School management, teachers and over 350 students