Volta Regional Peace Council Trains Assembly Members on Peacebuilding and Conflict Analysis for Effective Local Governance
The Volta Regional Peace Council (VRPC) has organised a training programme for 40 Assembly Members of the Anloga District Assembly to strengthen their capacity in peacebuilding, conflict analysis, early warning and peaceful conflict management.
The training, held on 11th August 2026 at the Anloga District Assembly Hall, was organised by the National Peace Council to equip Assembly Members with practical knowledge and skills to identify emerging conflicts, understand their causes and dynamics, and respond appropriately before they escalate.
Speaking at the programme, the Chairman of the Volta Regional Peace Council, Rev. Seth K. Mawutor, emphasised that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but also the presence of justice, dignity, understanding and respect. He noted that peacebuilding begins at the local level, where community members interact daily and depend on one another for their livelihoods and development.
Rev. Mawutor reminded Assembly Members that their close relationship with constituents places them in a strategic position to identify tensions and address concerns before they develop into serious conflicts. He encouraged them to listen carefully to community members, avoid rushing to judgment and promote dialogue and reconciliation rather than revenge and confrontation.
He further urged the participants to protect vulnerable members of society and make peacebuilding an integral part of their leadership and decision-making. He stressed that sustainable peace requires consistent effort and responsible leadership at the community level.
The Deputy Director of the Anloga District Assembly, Mr. Obed Dzamboe-Tettey, welcomed the National Peace Council and participants and expressed the Assembly’s appreciation for the training. He described the engagement as timely, particularly for Anloga District as it continues to develop effective approaches to identifying and managing emerging conflicts.
Mr. Dzamboe-Tettey encouraged Assembly Members to apply the knowledge acquired in their respective electoral areas and emphasised the importance of cooperation among Assembly Members, district staff, traditional authorities, community leaders and other relevant institutions in maintaining peace.
The Regional Executive Secretary of the Volta Regional Peace Council, Dr. David Esinu Yao Normanyo, explained that Assembly Members are often among the first people approached when tensions and disagreements emerge in their communities. He therefore stressed the importance of understanding a conflict before attempting to intervene.
Dr. Normanyo guided participants on the importance of identifying the causes, actors, interests and dynamics of conflicts. He encouraged Assembly Members to carefully assess their roles and mandates and avoid interventions that fall outside their institutional responsibilities.
He also highlighted the importance of early warning and early response, urging participants to pay attention to emerging signs of tension, rumours, threats and other developments that could lead to conflict escalation. He cautioned them to verify information before acting on or sharing it and to consider the possible consequences of their interventions.
Dr. Normanyo further emphasised the importance of the “Do No Harm” principle when dealing with sensitive community disputes. He encouraged Assembly Members to make appropriate use of referral mechanisms and collaborate with traditional authorities, security agencies, Assembly structures and the National Peace Council where necessary.
The training provided Assembly Members with practical knowledge aimed at strengthening their contribution to conflict prevention and peacebuilding while promoting conflict-sensitive approaches to local governance.
The Volta Regional Peace Council remains committed to strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders and institutions to identify, prevent and manage conflicts and promote sustainable peace across the region
