2024 YLP - Envisioning Harmony: Embracing the Power of Peace

Conference

2024-06-15

The West Africa Centre for Peace Foundation hosted its annual 3-day PeaceJam Ghana Youth Leadership Conference from June 14-16, 2024, at GNAT Hall in Accra. Themed "Envisioning Harmony: Embracing the Power of Peace," the event featured 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee and brought together around 900 participants, including youth, teachers, mentors, volunteers, and international guests. The conference focused on promoting peace and leadership among young people, offering workshops, family group discussions, and activities to inspire and empower attendees.
The PeaceJam Ghana Youth Leadership Conference had a profound impact on young people by providing essential skills and experiences in team building, peace and conflict resolution, and effective communication. Participants engaged in interactive workshops and activities designed to foster collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership qualities. A significant highlight was the community service project, which included a Peace March dubbed "I Pledge for Peace." During this march, Peacejammer Christabel Annor from Ghana Senior High School delivered a heartfelt peace message to the Ghanaian public and politicians, urging everyone to commit to peace before, during, and after the upcoming general elections on December 7, 2024. The march culminated in a powerful moment where attendees, including Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, signed and pledged their commitment to peace.
This initiative not only empowered the youth to take an active role in promoting peace but also aimed to influence the broader community by highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence and constructive dialogue in the electoral process. The conference left a lasting impression on participants, instilling in them the values and skills necessary to be effective peacebuilders in their communities.