National Peace Council Urges Stakeholder Collaboration to Deepen Peace Education in Ghanaian Schools

The National Peace Council (NPC) of Ghana has intensified its advocacy for a more robust peace education framework within the country’s educational institutions, calling for immediate collaboration among all stakeholders. Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Madam Janet Sarney-Kuma, a representative of the Council, emphasized the critical need to instill core values such as dialogue, tolerance, and non-violence in the youth. As Ghana continues to navigate complex social and digital landscapes under the administration of President John Mahama, the NPC views peace education not merely as an extracurricular activity, but as a fundamental tool for fostering national stability and responsible citizenship.

Central to this effort is the NPC’s ongoing School Engagement Programme, which seeks to empower students to serve as peace ambassadors within their schools and wider communities. Madam Sarney-Kuma highlighted that the programme is designed to equip young learners with the necessary skills to navigate modern challenges, specifically citing the rise of misinformation and cyberbullying. By integrating conflict prevention and resolution techniques into the classroom, the initiative has already reached thousands of learners across the country, encouraging them to reject violence and embrace constructive engagement when faced with disagreements or digital provocations.

To ensure the sustainability and reach of these initiatives, the NPC is calling for stronger partnerships with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other key sectors, including the media. There is a particular appeal to news organisations to play a more proactive role by prioritizing "positive peace stories" that highlight the contributions of young people to social cohesion. The Council maintains that a unified approach is essential for cultivating a culture of peace that can withstand the pressures of the digital age. Moving forward, the NPC intends to expand its outreach and classroom engagements, aiming to create a generation of Ghanaians who are inherently committed to peaceful coexistence and the democratic process.