The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has convened a two-day training seminar for traditional leaders in the Teshie Traditional Area in Accra, Ghana, to enhance their capacity in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and governance.
The programme, dubbed TESHIE HOMOWO SCHOOL 2025, was opened on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Centre under the theme “One People, One Culture, One Heritage: Building Capacities to Strengthen Traditional Leadership for Peace.”
The role of chiefs in sustaining peace
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, underscored the critical role traditional rulers play in sustaining peace and stability in Ghana and across West Africa.
“Traditional leaders are custodians of our land, culture, and identity. Their leadership is central to addressing disputes, fostering harmony, and guiding community development,” he said.
He cautioned that Ghana’s peace and security landscape continues to face multiple threats—including land and chieftaincy disputes, farmer-herder conflicts, illegal mining (galamsey), youth unemployment, political tensions, radicalization, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and misinformation spread through social media.
“These challenges require empowering our chiefs and traditional rulers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to prevent minor disagreements from escalating into full-blown conflicts,” Brig Gen Ayorrogo noted. He added that capacity-building through training and dialogue was “not a luxury but a necessity” for chiefs, who are often the first point of call in resolving disputes.
Government pledges support
Representing Ghana’s Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Enoch Addo, Registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, pledged government’s commitment to institutionalizing such capacity-building programmes. He announced that steps would be taken to make the Teshie Homowo School a national programme.
Mr. Addo further highlighted the importance of addressing conflicts that often erupt during traditional festivals, which sometimes result in violence, destruction of property, and loss of lives. “Our festivals are meant to unite and celebrate culture. We must ensure they remain peaceful and safe for our communities,” he stressed.
Building knowledge, preserving heritage
The Teshie Mantse and President of the Teshie Traditional Council, Gbetsoolor Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, commended KAIPTC for sustaining the initiative. He urged participants to embrace the training with an open mind, citing his own personal growth from previous editions as evidence of its impact.
“In politics, elected officials undergo training before assuming office. Unfortunately, chiefs do not receive similar preparation when they are installed, and this often creates challenges. Initiatives like the Homowo School bridge this gap and equip us to lead better,” he remarked.
A comprehensive training agenda
Facilitators for the two-day seminar include experts in governance, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution, with a deep understanding of the statutes governing Ghana’s chieftaincy institution.
The programme covers a wide range of topics including: Chieftaincy Disputes, Conflicts, and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms; Promoting National Security and Stability through the Prevention of Communal, Chieftaincy, and Youth Violence; The Role of Chiefs in Promoting Good Governance and Development; The Role of Chiefs in Promoting Human Rights; and Land Disputes and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Towards a culture of peace
Closing his remarks, Brig Gen Ayorrogo encouraged participants to share experiences and ideas during the training. “When we build the capacity of our chiefs, we build the peace of our nation. A peaceful Ghana begins in our palaces, our communities, and most importantly, in our hearts,” he said.
The Teshie Homowo School, now in its second edition, has become a platform for strengthening the role of traditional leadership in Ghana’s governance and peace architecture. Its continuation signals a renewed commitment to equipping chiefs with the tools to preserve cultural heritage while advancing peace and development in their communities.