Yendi Peace Centre: Promoting Peace, Empowering Communitites, and Climate Action
In August 2024, the Yendi Peace Centre continued its mission to promote peace, unity, and sustainability in northern Ghana. Under the leadership of Rev. Father Gregory Dery and Alhaji Abdul Majeed Muhammed, the Centre engaged in various impactful initiatives aimed at conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and raising awareness about climate change. Below is a summary of the Centre’s key activities during the month.
Peacebuilding Efforts in Mion District
In response to ongoing land disputes in Zogbee, Mion District, the Yendi Peace Centre actively engaged in peacebuilding efforts. The team visited prominent traditional leaders at the Gbewaa and Mion Palaces, as well as local schools including Yendi Senior High and Dagbon State Senior High. These visits provided a platform to express condolences to bereaved families and emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence. The Centre urged community leaders, chiefs, and especially the youth, to embrace unity and work together to restore harmony.
Radio Discussions
The Yendi Peace Centre hosted a series of insightful radio discussions, tackling key issues around climate change and violent extremism. Experts such as Mr. Silas Takal Uwumborege and Mr. Yakubu M. Baba explored how environmental challenges, like climate change, can affect peace and stability in the region. They discussions also addressed the growing concern over violent extremism, highlighting community vulnerabilities, the role of education, and youth engagement in resisting extremist influences. Listeners actively participated with questions, and the discussions emphasized the need for communities to become "climate ambassadors" and to foster trust between citizens and law enforcement. The dialogue also covered strategies for combating misinformation and the dangers of social media in spreading radical ideologies. The sessions aired on Radio Kitawoln and Sankara Radio, sparking thoughtful debates and encouraging collective action for a more peaceful and sustainable future.
Peace Negotiations in Jagrido and Sambu
To maintain momentum in conflict resolution, the Yendi Peace Centre revisited the communities of Jagrido and Sambu, which had previously experienced unrest. Joined by local MPs and District Chief Executives, the Centre’s delegation reinforced the message of unity and encouraged communities to avoid misinformation and divisive social media content. Chiefs and elders expressed their gratitude for the Centre’s continued support, and meaningful discussions were held on creating long-term strategies for sustainable peace.
Community Engagement in Zakoli on Climate Change and Violent Extremism
Zakoli, a community renowned for its peaceful coexistence, served as the perfect backdrop for a conversation on the intersection of climate change and violent extremism. During the visit, the Yendi Peace Centre engaged community members in discussions about how climate change threatens food security and how these challenges could potentially fuel extremist activities. The Centre emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to address these intertwined challenges and foster a more secure and sustainable future.
August 2024 was a month of meaningful action for the Yendi Peace Centre. Through community visits, radio discussions, and peace negotiations, the Centre continued its efforts to build unity, promote climate resilience, and counter violent extremism in northern Ghana. The Yendi Peace Centre remains dedicated to fostering lasting peace and cooperation among communities.