“I became deeply concerned when I realized how easily misinformation and political tensions could divide, we the community members of Bunkpurugu. I knew we had to act before it was too late” - Emmanuel Moisod, Bunkpurugu Community, North-East region

In every community, peace is the foundation for progress. Without it, development stalls and lives are disrupted. The consequences of violence - whether political, ethnic, or resource-driven - are devastating to the community and nation as a whole. 

In Ghana’s Northern border regions, tensions are often fuelled by political rivalries and chieftaincy disputes. However, amidst these challenges, residents like Emmanuel Moisod are proving that grassroots action can be a powerful force for peace.

Emmanuel, 47-year-old, is a basic school teacher in Gbingbani, a community in the Yunyoo-Nasuan District in the North-East region of Ghana. He is one of the volunteers who participated in UNDP-led training programs to prevent conflicts and violent extremism through early warning signs of violence in his community. These trainings equipped him with the skill sets in conflict resolution, mediation, and community engagement. 

As Ghana’s elections approached, he saw an urgent need to equip his community with the knowledge he gained from his trainings to ensure a peaceful process in his community. Aware of the heightened tensions that often accompany electoral periods, he took a decisive action.

“We needed to do something before it was too late. Elections should be about choosing leaders, not about tearing communities apart,” Emmanuel explained.

Emmanuel led the revival of a defunct youth group in his community. With support from fellow residents and insights gained from the trainings, the group became a platform for civic education and conflict prevention. Their biggest milestone came when they successfully organized an engagement session with political leaders, women, and youth. They educated participants on the dos and don’ts before, during, and after elections. They tackled issues such as misinformation, political manipulation, and the dangers of electoral violence. A more informed and engaged community that is now committed to a peaceful election process.

UNDP and its partners have trained over 400 community members in conflict resolution and supported 24 Community Peace Committees across Northern Ghana funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. These initiatives have not only helped prevent conflicts but have also strengthened local mediation efforts, reducing tensions before they escalate.

For Emmanuel, seeing his community embrace peace fills him with hope. “If every community takes responsibility for peace, we will build a Ghana where elections unite us rather than divide us,” he said.

Emmanuel’s efforts in promoting non-violent approaches to resolving grievances highlight the power of dialogue in achieving sustainable peace. His story also reinforces the crucial role young people can play in fostering harmony within their communities. For peace to take root it is essential for communities to stay informed, promote dialogue, and actively prevent conflict.