The Upper East Region is currently facing a rise in land-related conflicts, exacerbated by its proximity to Togo and Burkina Faso—countries that have experienced extremist activities.
In response, the Upper East Regional Peace Council, alongside its partners, has launched training workshops to equip traditional and religious leaders with the tools to manage and mitigate these conflicts.
The workshops, held in the Navrongo and Builsa Traditional Areas, focus on critical issues, including “Understanding Violent Extremism, Radicalisation, and Their Effects on Economic Activities,” “Using Early Warning Systems as a Tool for Preventing Conflicts,“ and insights into the “Land Act.”
Ali Anankpieng, Executive Secretary of the Peace Council, addressed the media during a two-day training session, highlighting the connection between land disputes and inadequate understanding of the Land Act.
“We reviewed the Land Act to help participants grasp land issues and how the framework is designed to manage land matters in Ghana, including within their communities.
By understanding this framework, they can take steps to de-escalate conflicts. Knowledge from the act is instrumental in reducing tensions over land,“ Anankpieng stated.
Naba Anambono Ayamga, Chief of Natugnia, praised the training, mainly focusing on the Land Act.
“The Peace Council’s guidance on documenting land transactions and drafting agreements for land usage has been timely and beneficial. It will help prevent misunderstandings and potential conflicts,“ Ayamga noted.
Denmark, Norway, Germany, and Australia sponsored the workshops through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Approximately 50 participants, including traditional and religious leaders, as well as women leaders from Doba, Natugnia, Navrongo, Pinda, and Manyoro, attended the sessions.
