Air Commodore David Akrong, Deputy Commandant, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to ensuring that the National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) reflects the aspirations of Ghanaian youth.
Speaking at a stakeholders consultative workshop on the roadmap for the NAP, currently being developed, Air Cdre Akrong emphasised the need for broader youth participation in the peace and security agenda, recognising their role as agents of change and innovation.
He said the Youth, Peace and Security agenda was central not only to the stability and development of Ghana but also to the broader peace and security dynamics across Africa.
The Deputy Commandant said young people were not merely beneficiaries of peace; “they are agents of change, drivers of innovation, and active participants in peace-building processes.”
The development of the NAP, he said, was crucial for creating a framework that empowered youth, promoted inclusivity, and ensured their involvement in decision-making at every level.
The framework is designed to align with national priorities while incorporating the unique challenges faced by youth in Ghana.
In its initiation and planning stage, expected to be launched and fully disseminated in 2025, the NAP will play a critical role in promoting peace and security both within the country and across the African continent.
The stakeholder consultative workshop brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from government, youth groups, and international development partners, such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).
They deliberated on developing a comprehensive and actionable NAP that reflects the needs and contributions of Ghanaian youth.
Air Cdr Akrong praised the diverse participation and acknowledged the efforts of the Technical Working Group, adding that “this multi-stakeholder engagement is vital because the development of the NAP will require concerted efforts from all sectors of society.”
The Deputy Commandant called on all stakeholders to continue their collaboration in shaping the final NAP, and that “the NAP is a roadmap for action, a blueprint for sustainable peace, and a testament to our collective responsibility to support and empower the youth of the nation.
Ms Teresa Kraft, Head of Component for GIZ’s ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project, acknowledged the German government’s long-standing support for Ghana’s efforts to integrate youth in peace and security frameworks.
GIZ, in collaboration with the European Union, is prepared to continue its support and better amplify efforts to mainstream youth engagement in peace initiatives, she said.
Ms Kraft observed that the ambitious nature of the YPS agenda required a shift in mindset and organizational practices.
She said, “Empowering youth to take responsibility in promoting peace and security means reviewing the way we shape our respective societies, how we run our organisations, and even challenging our mindsets.”
Ms. Adjoa Nyanteng Yenyi, Country Representative for UNFPA, commended Ghana’s leadership in prioritizing youth within the peace-building process, and that the roadmap was only the first step in developing a comprehensive National Action Plan.
“This roadmap is not the final product but rather the foundation of an inclusive process that will bring us closer to a comprehensive National Action Plan,” she explained.
Ms Yenyi said the participatory nature of the roadmap was aimed engage all youth in urban centres or rural areas, and from diverse social and economic backgrounds.
She referenced the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognised the importance of youth in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, saying that Ghana’s NAP must align with global frameworks.
Mr Daniel Bonsu, Deputy Director, National Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre, Ministry of National Security, said the pressing security challenges facing the West African sub-region called for immediate, youth-led action.
“In the sub-region, and specifically West Africa, the wind that is blowing calls for specific actions within the various countries,” he stated.
The Deputy Director said, “Within our own country, we have seen a growing demand for accountability, transparency, and active youth participation.”
He, therefore, said the youth must not only be part of the conversation on peace-building but take leading roles in shaping security responses.
