Promoting Inclusive Peacebuilding: Empowering Persons With Disabilities In The Western North Region
The Western North Regional Peace Council (WNRPC) has engaged persons with disabilities and key stakeholders in Sefwi Wiawso as part of efforts to promote inclusive participation in peacebuilding and strengthen the involvement of marginalised groups in peace and security processes.
Held on 7 September 2026 at the John Bitar Club House, the engagement was supported by the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly (SWMA) and organised in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development and the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Federation of the Disabled.
Promoting Inclusive Peacebuilding
The engagement sought to create awareness about the work of the National Peace Council, promote inclusive dialogue and collaboration, and highlight the importance of disability inclusion in peacebuilding.
Participants were also equipped with knowledge and skills to strengthen their participation in conflict prevention, community-based early warning, social cohesion and peacebuilding processes.
In her address, Elizabeth Boduwah, Acting Regional Executive Secretary of the Western North Regional Peace Council, emphasised that persons with disabilities must be actively involved in processes aimed at preventing and resolving conflicts.
She noted that persons with disabilities possess unique experiences, knowledge and skills that can contribute meaningfully to conflict prevention, mediation, social cohesion and sustainable peace.
She further highlighted that exclusion, discrimination and inadequate representation can create grievances and prevent some groups from fully benefiting from peace and development initiatives.
“Sustainable peace cannot be achieved when sections of society are excluded.”
The engagement therefore reaffirmed the importance of meaningful inclusion, equal participation and respect for diversity in building peaceful, cohesive and resilient communities.
Promoting Equality and Rights
Speaking on the Affirmative Action Law, Yaa Adufa Asare Bediako, Gender Officer, highlighted its significance in promoting equality, inclusion and equal opportunities, particularly for women and other marginalised or underrepresented groups.
She also addressed issues of discrimination based on gender, disability, social status and other circumstances, encouraging participants to understand their rights and speak out against unfair treatment, exclusion and discrimination.
She emphasised the need to build a society where every individual, regardless of gender, disability or social status, is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
Strengthening Participation in Peace and Security
The engagement brought together 40 participants, comprising 17 men, 15 women and 8 children, creating an inclusive platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing.
The initiative is expected to contribute to:
- Strengthened community-based early warning and conflict prevention;
- Improved social cohesion and peaceful coexistence;
- Enhanced collaboration among key stakeholders; and
- Increased capacity and participation of persons with disabilities in peacebuilding.
The Western North Regional Peace Council continues to promote a peacebuilding approach in which everyone has a voice, everyone has a role, and no one is left behind.
Inclusive participation. Equal opportunity. Sustainable peace.
