National Peace Council Champions Youth Empowerment as Pillar for Sustaining Ghana’s Peace

The National Peace Council (NPC) has called for a strategic shift toward investing in youth education, tolerance, and critical thinking as the primary means of sustaining peace in Ghana. Marking the 2026 International Day of Peace, the Council emphasized that the nation’s stability relies on the proactive engagement of its younger generation. This call was central to a series of commemorative activities held in Accra on September 26, highlighting the urgent need to equip young people with the tools to navigate differences and manage conflict without resorting to violence.

The centerpiece of the celebrations was a 4.2-kilometre Peace Walk through the streets of the capital, culminating in a festive gala at the Accra High School field. The walk brought together a diverse group of participants, including students from several local high schools and representatives from various peacebuilding organizations. Operating under the global theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” the event served as a physical demonstration of unity, encouraging participants to view themselves as active stakeholders in the country’s democratic and social stability.

Speaking on behalf of the NPC, Janet Sarney-Kuma, the Director of Capacity Development, highlighted the council’s vision of empowering young Ghanaians to become “everyday architects of peace.” She argued that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a proactive state maintained through dialogue and understanding. By fostering critical thinking skills and tolerance, Sarney-Kuma suggested that youth can better resist calls to violence and instead embrace the diversity that defines the Ghanaian identity. The NPC’s focus remains on transforming how conflict is managed—moving away from division and toward constructive engagement.

As Ghana continues to navigate various social and regional challenges, the NPC’s advocacy signals a long-term commitment to peace through education and empowerment. The council’s message underscores that sustainable peace is a daily endeavor requiring the participation of everyone. By focusing on the youth, the NPC aims to build a resilient foundation for the nation, ensuring that future generations are prepared to resolve differences through the strength of their arguments and a commitment to national unity.