The Western North Regional Peace Council (WNRPC), in collaboration with the Justice and Peace Committee of the Wiawso Catholic Diocese, organized a Peer-to-Peer Mediation Training for Student Leaders and Counsellors on 3rd August 2026 at Kenroses Hotel, Sefwi Wiawso. The training aimed to equip participants with practical communication and mediation skills to promote peaceful conflict resolution, strengthen tolerance and respect, and empower student leaders and counsellors to address minor disputes before they escalate.

In his opening remarks on behalf of the Chairman of the Western North Regional Peace Council, Nana Marfo Panyi II, Eminent Member of the Council, emphasized that conflicts can be resolved peacefully through dialogue, respect, and understanding. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the knowledge gained to address challenges such as bullying, violence, intolerance, and substance abuse, while serving as ambassadors of peace in their respective schools.

Facilitator Rev. Fr. Philip Kwesi Cudjoe introduced participants to the principles of conflict resolution, highlighting practical skills such as active listening, empathy, negotiation, mediation, and problem-solving. He stressed the importance of neutrality, understanding the perspectives of all parties, and fostering dialogue rather than confrontation. He encouraged student leaders to act as peer mediators who help colleagues resolve conflicts peacefully, while urging school counsellors to continue providing guidance and support to students.

Addressing the participants, Hon. Dominic Gyasi, Municipal Chief Executive, underscored the importance of good character, respect, and responsible behaviour in building peaceful communities. He encouraged participants to apply the mediation skills acquired during the training and remain impartial when helping their peers resolve disputes. He also commended the National Peace Council for the initiative and recommended that similar programmes be expanded across municipalities and districts to strengthen peacebuilding among young people.

Elizabeth Boduwah, Acting Regional Executive Secretary, enlightened participants on the principles and practice of peer-to-peer mediation, explaining that peer mediators are trained students who facilitate peaceful dialogue and help fellow students find mutually acceptable solutions to conflicts. She emphasized that peer mediation is not about assigning blame but about promoting communication, understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence within the school community.

The training brought together student leaders, counsellors, and representatives from Sefwi Wiawso SHS, Sefwi Wiawso SHTS, Wiawso College of Education, Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Sefwi Asawinso SHS, KAAF University, St. Joseph SHS, the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly, and the media, with over 30 participants taking part. The programme forms part of the Western North Regional Peace Council’s ongoing efforts to build peaceful and inclusive learning environments by equipping young people with practical conflict resolution and mediation skills.