Thirty traditional leaders from three ethnic groups – Dagombas, Konkombas and Fulanis – in the Gushegu Municipality have been trained on peacebuilding and dialogue.
The three-day capacity building training was aimed at equipping participants to understand the diversity of identities within communities and common attributes among different communities.
Participants are expected to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to prevent conflicts, manage disputes and effectively handle violence-related issues in the municipality.
The training was organised by the National Peace Council with funding from USAID, Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI).
Topics treated include community identity, identification of issues relating to community cohesion, effects of violent oppression on identity, understanding and responding to violent extremism, identifying actors and drivers of violent extremism, understanding conflict and causes of conflict.
Promoting peace
Yaja Robert Dawuni, the municipal chief executive, underscored the importance of peace and commended the National Peace Council for its efforts at promoting peace in the area.
He appealed to chiefs and religious leaders to use the mosques, churches and other social gatherings to preach peace and social cohesion.
Dawuni urged traditional authorities to remain neutral in conflict resolution.
Reverend Father Thaddeus Kuusah, the executive secretary of the Northern Regional Peace Council and a resource person at the training said, “We can live happily as one when we manage our perceptions and prejudice.”
He said handling conflict requires a deeper understanding of context, issues and relationships. He advised participants not to rush into judgement when resolving a conflict. They should investigate further before drawing conclusions.
Abukari Nuhu, a staff of the Northern Regional Peace Council, appealed to chiefs to monitor the movement of youth in their communities to reduce crime.
Participants unanimously agreed that all corridors leading to water sources be protected and defined. They also agreed to proactively prevent conflict and manage disputes in their various communities.
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