Peace Education and Sensitization on Conflict Prevention and Small Arms Awareness for J.H.S Students (Ashanti Region)

The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC), in collaboration with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW), organized a peace education and sensitization programme for students of Nasrudeen Islamic J.H.S A & B at Aboabo. The engagement focused on promoting peaceful coexistence among students, preventing violence in schools, and educating students on the dangers and consequences of illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons.

The project aimed to promote peaceful coexistence among students by equipping them with knowledge and skills in non-violent approaches to resolving differences, educate students on the consequences of illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons, establish Peace Ambassadors Clubs in Junior High and Senior High Schools within the region, and deepen understanding of conflict and peaceful coexistence among basic and J.H.S students. The overall goal was to strengthen a culture of peace, discipline, and responsible citizenship among young learners.

The expected outcomes included equipping students with non-violent methods of resolving conflicts, contributing to the prevention and reduction of small arms and light weapons proliferation in the country, improving understanding of peaceful coexistence and encouraging youth participation in conflict prevention, and developing a generation of future peacebuilders capable of positively impacting their communities.

The programme was funded by the Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC) and the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (SALW), and implemented in collaboration with Nasrudeen Islamic J.H.S A & B and SALW. It took place on Monday, 15th June 2026 at Nasrudeen Islamic J.H.S A & B, Aboabo.

Dignitaries present included Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Badu Amoah (Regional Executive Secretary, ARPC), Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah (Senior Programmes Manager, ARPC), Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro (Regional Director, SALW), staff of the Small Arms Commission, and representatives from Nasrudeen Islamic J.H.S A & B (administration and teaching staff).

In his address, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Badu Amoah emphasized that violence often begins with intolerance, anger, and poor communication. He encouraged students to develop positive attitudes, respect diversity, and use peaceful means in addressing grievances. He further advised students to report cases of bullying, intimidation, and violence to school authorities rather than resorting to unlawful means. He stressed that violence is not a solution to any problem and urged students to embrace restraint, patience, self-control, tolerance, respect for differing viewpoints, and dialogue as the primary tools for resolving conflicts.

Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Regional Director of SALW, cautioned students on the dangers associated with weapons, noting that they do not solve problems but instead lead to serious consequences such as injury, loss of life, school suspensions or expulsions, arrests, and long-term criminal records. He emphasized that arms proliferation fuels insecurity and violence within communities and urged students to report any movement or possession of weapons within schools to prevent harm. He further reminded students that unlawful possession or use of firearms is a crime in Ghana and attracts severe penalties including arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.

The programme benefited a total of 60 students, who were sensitized on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and the dangers associated with small arms and light weapons in school environments.