Workshop Held To Advance The Development Of Ghana’s National Action Plan On Youth & Security
Accra, 27th September 2014 – The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in partnership with the National Youth Authority (NYA), convened a significant workshop aimed at advancing the development of Ghana’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS).
The NAP YPS initiative seeks to empower Ghanaian youth as key actors in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and the creation of a resilient future for the country.
The workshop, attended by government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and youth-led groups, aimed to gather support and mobilize resources for the plan’s implementation. It also provided clarity on the roadmap and secured commitments to ensuring the effective implementation of the NAP YPS, fostering stronger partnerships and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders in youth, peace, and security.
Funded by the German Government through GIZ’s ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project, and UNFPA, the NAP YPS represents a critical step toward addressing the challenges faced by Ghanaian youth while harnessing their potential for positive change. The NAP is being developed in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which highlights the importance of meaningful youth participation in peace and security initiatives.
Roadmap
Dr. Festus Aubyn, a consultant on the project, presented the roadmap during the workshop, outlining key areas of focus such as awareness creation, community sensitization, and the involvement of young people in governance and policy development. He emphasized the international commitment to promoting youth-led peace initiatives.
With youth leading this transformative journey, Ghana hopes to use the NAP to build a more peaceful and resilient future. Dr. Aubyn noted that the roadmap provides a foundation for a comprehensive plan, empowering Ghanaian youth to play a pivotal role in building lasting peace and security. Mr. Daniel Bonsu, representing the National Security Minister, highlighted the increased need to engage young people in governance processes, especially in light of insurgencies in the sub-region. He revealed that data from the Ministry shows five young Ghanaians have joined insurgent groups in Syria and the region, and pointed out that these individuals came from affluent backgrounds.
KAIPTC’s Role
In his opening remarks, Air Commodore David Akrong, Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, underscored the importance of stakeholder input in developing the NAP YPS. He highlighted the opportunity to gather feedback to ensure the policy reflects the voices and aspirations of Ghanaian youth while aligning with national priorities.
He further emphasized the crucial role of the NAP in empowering Ghanaian youth as agents of change and active participants in peacebuilding processes. Air Commodore Akrong urged stakeholders to embrace inclusivity, collaboration, and commitment, stressing that the NAP is not just a document but a roadmap for action—a testament to the collective responsibility to support and empower youth.
Stakeholder Contributions
Ms. Adjoa Nyanteng Yenyi, Programme Specialist for Adolescent and Youth Development at UNFPA, emphasized the importance of a participatory and inclusive approach in developing the NAP YPS. She clarified that while the roadmap is not the final product, it lays the groundwork for an inclusive process.
“The upcoming phases of consultations, data gathering, and stakeholder engagement will ensure that the voices of youth from all corners of Ghana are incorporated, reflecting the diverse realities of the country’s youth population,” Ms. Yenyi stressed.
UNFPA, she added, remains committed to supporting the government and its partners in facilitating an open and transparent process.
Ms. Teresa Kraft, Head of Component for GIZ’s ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and accountability in the development of the NAP YPS. She praised Ghana’s efforts to domesticate and mainstream the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda, emphasizing the intentional focus on youth participation in decision-making.
“GIZ is committed to continuing its collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and its partners in the next phase of the project, with support from the German Government and the European Union. The Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda is ambitious, requiring a reassessment of how societies are structured, organizations are managed, and mindsets are shifted to embrace youth in leadership roles,” Ms. Kraft noted.
She also highlighted KAIPTC’s commitment to the youth, peace, and security agenda through its internal training programs, aimed at capacitating staff as mentors. Ms. Kraft encouraged stakeholders to remain engaged and to mobilize the necessary resources for the finalization and implementation of the NAP.
Nelson Owusu-Ansah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NYA, expressed optimism that the NAP would address specific challenges such as unemployment, social exclusion, and limited access to education and opportunities, which are underlying factors that threaten peace and security.