The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), in partnership with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW), organized a peace education and sensitization programme for students at Tawheed Senior High School in the Ashanti Region.

The programme was held on Wednesday, 1st April 2026, at the school’s assembly hall and focused on promoting peaceful coexistence, educating students on the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act (Act 999), and raising awareness on the dangers of illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons.

Objectives of the Programme

The initiative aimed to:

  • Educate students on the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) and the consequences of student violence
  • Raise awareness on the dangers and legal implications of illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons
  • Promote peaceful coexistence through non-violent conflict resolution approaches
  • Support the establishment of Peace Ambassadors Clubs in schools

Expected Outcomes

The programme was designed to:

  • Equip students with knowledge of Act 999 and its legal implications
  • Strengthen students’ ability to resolve conflicts through non-violent means
  • Contribute to efforts to prevent and combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons
  • Improve understanding of peaceful coexistence and youth participation in conflict prevention
  • Develop a critical mass of future peacebuilders within communities

Key Highlights from the Presentations

Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah (Senior Programmes Manager, ARPC) highlighted the growing concern of violence in senior high schools, noting that such acts undermine student safety, academic performance, and future development. He emphasized that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and character formation.

He further explained that although vigilantism is often associated with political groups, similar behaviours can emerge among students and must be discouraged. He stressed that the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) criminalizes the formation, support, or participation in vigilante groups, with offenders liable to severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro (Regional Director, SALW Commission) emphasized that the illegal possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons pose serious threats to peace and security. He warned that weapons in the wrong hands can lead to violence, crime, and loss of lives.

He noted that unlawful possession or use of firearms is a serious offence under Ghanaian law and may result in arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment. He urged students to stay away from weapons and to contribute to creating safe and peaceful school environments.

Participation

The programme brought together representatives from the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission, and the administration, staff, and students of Tawheed Senior High School. Over 100 students participated in the sensitization, reinforcing a shared commitment to peace, safety, and responsible citizenship.