Accra, Ghana – 1 October 2026 – The third edition of the Teshie Homowo School has opened at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), bringing together traditional leaders, government representatives, youth and other stakeholders to explore how traditional leadership can continue to promote peace, unity and community development in modern Ghana.
Held under the theme, “Give Peace a Chance – The Evolving Role of Traditional Leadership in Modern Governance,” the two-day seminar provides a platform to reflect on the changing role of traditional authorities and their contribution to peacebuilding, dialogue, conflict prevention, social cohesion and resilient communities.
Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of the Commandant of KAIPTC, the Deputy Director of Training, Wing Commander Christian Eshun (Rtd), emphasised that peace extends beyond the work of security institutions and must be nurtured within communities and traditional institutions. He noted that “peace is not sustained by security institutions alone. It is built every day within our communities, our families, our institutions, and our traditional authorities.”He further highlighted some of the key challenges confronting communities, including chieftaincy and land disputes, illegal mining and its impact on communities, farmer-herder tensions, youth unemployment and other vulnerabilities. He observed that these challenges are interconnected and, when left unresolved, can fuel tensions and undermine community stability. He therefore stressed the need to strengthen social cohesion, dialogue and community-based approaches to peacebuilding as essential pathways to sustainable peace.
The Paramount Chief of Teshie and President of the Teshie Traditional Council, Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, highlighted the value of the School as a platform for learning, reflection and strengthening traditional leadership. He noted that lessons from the previous training had contributed to the successful and peaceful celebration of this year’s Homowo Festival without chaos, expressing appreciation to KAIPTC for its support. He further expressed optimism that the knowledge and lessons from the programme would contribute meaningfully to the development of the Teshie community, while urging all participants and stakeholders to actively engage in the learning process and make the most of the opportunity.
Delivering the opening remark on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Mr. Baafi Nsiah underscored the importance of strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peaceful mechanisms for resolving disputes. He stressed that “development thrives where there is peace, and peace is sustained where there is justice, dialogue, and mutual respect.”
He further highlighted the importance of dialogue, tolerance and reconciliation in addressing disputes, while urging young people to appreciate their traditions and embrace modern approaches to conflict resolution.