Queenmothers Unite for Peace and Early Warning in Nkwanta

Nkwanta, Oti Region — Queenmothers from the Adele, Challa and Akyode communities have pledged to strengthen their role in peacebuilding, early warning and reconciliation to support lasting peace in the area.

The commitment was made during a community dialogue on 13^th August, led by the Oti Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council (NPC), Mr. Paul Akornor, who highlighted the key role of Queenmothers in detecting early signs of conflict and preventing escalation. He called for stronger coordination among traditional leaders, women, security agencies and local authorities.

Queenmothers’ Commitment

The Queenmothers proposed a joint Peace Platform to improve coordination and engagement with traditional leaders. They also pledged to promote forgiveness, discourage revenge and support peaceful dispute resolution, especially among families and youth.

The Oti Regional Peace Council Chairman, Mr. Peterkin Yentumi Gyinae, noted that recurring conflicts have slowed development in Nkwanta South and stressed the need for inclusive peacebuilding. The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Joseph Antwi Awal, also urged Queenmothers to deepen their role in reconciliation and community recovery.

Key Proposals

Queenmothers suggested rotational engagements among the three traditional areas, a Peace Walk, and stronger advocacy against violence. They also emphasized the link between peace, education and development, citing challenges such as declining school enrolment and teacher shortages.

Strengthening Early Warning

Participants stressed the need to improve early warning systems, expand women’s participation in peace processes, and hold regular inter-community dialogue. Collaboration among traditional authorities, the Peace Council, security agencies and civil society was strongly encouraged.

Way Forward

Some of the key outcomes included the Creation of a joint Queenmothers’ Peace Platform, Integration of Queenmothers into early warning systems, Regular inter-community dialogue, Increased peace education as well as Stronger stakeholder collaboration.

Other actions included continuous monitoring of peace efforts and greater women’s participation in mediation. The dialogue reaffirmed that Queenmothers are key actors in preventing conflict and rebuilding communities, not just beneficiaries of peace.

The Oti Regional Peace Council pledged continued support for inclusive peacebuilding, emphasizing that sustainable peace depends on collective action from all stakeholders.