The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to promoting peace, security, and sustainable development in Northern Ghana, calling on young people to become active champions of peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship.
The commitment was made during the 4th Peace and development Conference organised by the Centre for Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies (CECOTAPS) under the theme, “Transforming the Peace and Security Landscape in Northern Ghana: The Role of the Centre for Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies.”
Delivering a solidarity message on behalf of the National President of GLYA, Mr. Al-Hassan Baba Darison during the conference on Wednesday, 29th July,2026, the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mankir Ibn Malik, commended CECOTAPS for its unwavering dedication to peacebuilding over the past two decades.
He praised the Centre for its significant contributions to conflict prevention, dialogue, mediation, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence across Northern Ghana, noting that its interventions have strengthened social cohesion and enhanced community resilience against emerging security threats.
According to the Association, peace remains the bedrock of national and community development, stressing that progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, trade, investment, and youth empowerment can only thrive in an environment of peace and stability.
GLYA also highlighted the indispensable role of young people in sustaining peace, describing them as not only beneficiaries but also custodians of peaceful societies. The Association urged the youth to reject violence, vigilantism, hate speech, misinformation, drug abuse, and all forms of violent extremism, while embracing dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect, and responsible citizenship.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and community development through constructive collaboration with traditional authorities, government institutions, development partners, and civil society organisations. It emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved when young people are actively involved in governance, decision-making, and development processes.
Touching on the growing security concerns within the West African sub-region, GLYA called for stronger collaboration among traditional leaders, religious institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and youth groups to build resilient communities capable of preventing conflicts before they escalate.
The Association further encouraged participants at the conference to translate the outcomes of their deliberations into practical and sustainable actions that will strengthen peacebuilding mechanisms, deepen social cohesion, and create greater opportunities for young people.
GLYA concluded by reaffirming its readiness to partner with CECOTAPS and other institutions committed to advancing peacebuilding efforts in pursuit of a peaceful, united, and prosperous Northern Ghana.
The Association also expressed appreciation to CECOTAPS for the invitation and commended the organisers for creating a platform that continues to foster dialogue, collaboration, and collective action towards lasting peace and security in the region.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
