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 Akrom M/A Junior High School at Aboabo. The engagement focused on promoting peaceful coexistence among students, preventing violence in schools, and raising awareness on the dangers and consequences of illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons.

The project aimed to equip students with knowledge and skills for non-violent resolution of differences, deepen understanding of conflict and peaceful coexistence, educate students on the consequences of illegal possession and use of small arms and light weapons, and establish Peace Ambassadors Clubs in Junior High and Senior High Schools within the region. The overall goal was to strengthen discipline, tolerance, and youth participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

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 among students, strengthening youth participation in conflict prevention, and developing a critical mass 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 Akrom M/A Junior High School and SALW. It took place on Monday, 22nd June 2026 at Akrom M/A Junior High School, Aboabo.

Dignitaries present included Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah (Senior Programmes Manager, ARPC), Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro (Regional Director, SALW), Ms. Joycelyn Anima Aboraa Boateng (Programmes Manager, ARPC), Mr. Jake Abedi Commeh (Programmes Officer, SALW), and representatives from Akrom M/A Junior High School (administration and teaching staff).

In his address, Mr. Godwin Nana Amponsah emphasized that violence among young people in schools remains a serious concern, posing a threat to peace and security in the region. He noted that student violence may include bullying, fighting, insults, threats, and destruction of school property, all of which disrupt learning and damage relationships among students. He stressed that while conflict is inevitable, violence is preventable and should not be seen as a solution to any problem. He encouraged students to resolve disputes through restraint, patience, self-control, tolerance, respect for differing views, and dialogue. He further advised students to report grievances to school authorities rather than resorting to violence.

Mr. Emmanuel Kenneth Oduro, Regional Director of SALW, emphasized that gun violence remains a major threat to national peace, security, and development. He warned that the presence of illegal arms in schools endangers students, teachers, and the learning environment, and can result in serious consequences including injury, loss of life, suspension, expulsion, arrest, and long-term criminal records. He urged students to report any movement or possession of weapons within society to prevent harm, stressing that firearms in the hands of young people can lead to unintended tragedies and irreversible damage. He further reminded students that unlawful possession or use of firearms is a crime in Ghana and attracts severe legal consequences including arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.

The programme was highly interactive and benefited over 60 students, who were sensitized on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and the dangers associated with small arms and light weapons in school environments.