SECAM Strengthens Peacebuilding Capacity in Northern Ghana

A three-day capacity-building programme on peacebuilding and social cohesion was organized for members of the Justice and Peace Commissions (JPC) in the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province of Ghana, as part of ongoing Church efforts to promote peace, justice, and social harmony in Northern Ghana.

The programme was initiated by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) in collaboration with the Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) and was implemented by the National Catholic Secretariat (NCS) of Ghana. The initiative forms part of a broader regional strategy to strengthen community-based peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and social cohesion across the West African sub-region.

Thirty persons, men and women, from five dioceses of the Catholic Church across the five Northern Regions of Ghana took part in this training. Participants included Diocesan JPC Coordinators, active JPC members, Diocesan Youth Chairpersons, women representatives, and Civil Society Organisation actors. Rev. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, Deputy Secretary General of SECAM and Director of the Justice, Peace and Development Commission (SECAM-JPDC), along with his team, appreciated the inclusive dialogue, peer learning, and collaboration among key stakeholders.

The peacebuilding training programme featured a series of practical and reflective presentations by experienced facilitators on several topics:

• “Basic Techniques in Mediation, Facilitation and Dialogue” by Fr. Dr. Clement Aapengnuo;
• “Introduction to Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion: Concepts, Principles, Approaches and Tools” by Fr. Michael Quaicoe;
• “The Role of JPCs in Community Peacebuilding: Working with Traditional and Local Authorities, Youth, Women and Interfaith Actors” by Mr. Richard Akurugu;
• “Understanding Conflict Dynamics in Northern Ghana” by Fr. Aapengnuo;
• “Understanding Early Warning and Response in Peacebuilding” by Mr. Akurugu;
• “Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism: Understanding Recruitment Pathways and Community Resilience” by Fr. Quaicoe.

Following each presentations, participants actively shared reflections, practical insights and field experiences from their work within dioceses and communities.

Participants also reflected on the unique conflict dynamics and peace challenges facing Northern Ghana, including chieftaincy disputes, land-related conflicts, youth vulnerability, and emerging security concerns.

SECAM Communication’s Office