The National Peace Council (NPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive peacebuilding by organising a two-day capacity-building workshop for Queen Mothers from across Ghana. The programme, held under the theme: "Amplifying the Role of Queen Mothers as Key Agents of Community Peacebuilding," sought to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Queen Mothers in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, social cohesion, mediation, and community leadership.
The initiative reflects the Council's recognition of the indispensable role Queen Mothers play in promoting harmony, preserving cultural values, and fostering social stability within their communities. As respected custodians of tradition and moral authority, Queen Mothers occupy a unique position that enables them to influence attitudes, resolve disputes, and mobilise communities towards peaceful coexistence.
Opening the workshop, Madam Susan Aryeetey, a Member of the NPC Governing Board, underscored the importance of empowering Queen Mothers to become stronger advocates for peace at the grassroots level. She noted that sustainable peace begins within families and communities, where Queen Mothers often serve as trusted counsellors, mediators, and role models.
Madam Aryeetey also took participants through the provisions of the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818), explaining the Council's mandate, achievements, and interventions in conflict prevention and resolution across the country. She encouraged the Queen Mothers to become ambassadors of the Council's work and to support efforts aimed at building a peaceful and united Ghana.
A key feature of the workshop was the recognition of the strategic role women, particularly Queen Mothers, play in sustaining peace. Discussions highlighted how women often serve as bridges between generations, families, traditional authorities, and state institutions, making their participation in peacebuilding both necessary and impactful.
Speaking at the programme, Mr. Carl Ampah, National Professional Officer for Culture at UNESCO, emphasised that sustainable peace cannot be achieved solely through political settlements or legal frameworks. Rather, he noted that lasting peace requires cultural understanding, dialogue, community ownership, and inclusive participation. He commended the National Peace Council for creating a platform that empowers traditional women leaders to contribute meaningfully to national peacebuilding efforts.
Similarly, Madam Charity Nikoi, Social and Behavioural Change Specialist at UNICEF Ghana, praised the initiative and reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to supporting women-led peacebuilding interventions. She highlighted the influential role Queen Mothers play in shaping social norms, promoting child welfare, and strengthening community resilience.
The Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area and President of the National Queen Mothers Platform Ghana, Nana Amposah Dokua III, expressed appreciation to the National Peace Council for recognising the contributions of Queen Mothers to peace and development. She described Queen Mothers as custodians of culture, unity, and social harmony and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peaceful communities across the country.
Nana Amposah Dokua III further appealed to the National Peace Council to intensify its interventions in addressing chieftaincy disputes and other emerging conflicts that threaten community cohesion and development. She stressed that strengthening collaboration between traditional authorities and peace institutions would contribute significantly to conflict prevention and resolution.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, Dr. George Amoh, encouraged Queen Mothers to strengthen their institutional structures by establishing registries and maintaining proper records of their activities and decisions. According to him, effective documentation would enhance continuity, accountability, and the preservation of traditional knowledge.
Dr. Amoh further urged participants to uphold the dignity and integrity of the chieftaincy institution by conducting themselves in ways that inspire public confidence and respect. He reminded them that their actions and leadership have far-reaching implications for peace, development, and social cohesion within their communities.
The workshop also provided participants with practical skills in conflict management and mediation. Sessions facilitated by the NPC's Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Suallah Quandah, introduced participants to conflict analysis, negotiation techniques, and mediation approaches that can be applied to community disputes.
Additionally, the Head of the NPC Gender Unit, Ms. Semefa Asimenu, facilitated discussions on women's participation in peacebuilding and leadership. Her session explored the transformative role women can play as agents of change and highlighted the importance of ensuring their meaningful inclusion in peace and security processes.
The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants in recognition of their commitment to strengthening peacebuilding efforts within their traditional areas.
As Ghana continues to navigate emerging social, political, and communal challenges, the National Peace Council remains committed to building partnerships with traditional authorities and empowering community leaders to serve as advocates for peace. By investing in the capacity of Queen Mothers, the Council is helping to strengthen local mechanisms for dialogue, mediation, and conflict prevention, thereby contributing to a more peaceful, cohesive, and resilient society.
Peacebuilding is most effective when it begins within communities, and Queen Mothers remain among Ghana's most valuable partners in advancing that vision.
