Bawku west: The Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana (YHFG), a youth-focused non-governmental organization, has unveiled a peace monument in the Bawku West District to mark the successful completion of a two-year Peace Building Fund (PBF) project. The monument, located opposite the district assembly on the Bolgatanga-Bawku highway, is intended to serve as a lasting symbol of peace, unity, and community resilience. It aims to remind residents of their role in sustaining harmony and development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Peace Building Fund (PBF) project received funding support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and was implemented in the Upper East and North East Regions. Mr. David Ajebakwagane Baniyigane, Project Officer at YHFG, explained that the project, in partnership with the National Peace Council and the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), addressed local and spillover conflicts across selected districts. These districts included Bongo, Bawku West, and Garu in the Upper East Region, as well as Chereponi, Yunyoo-Nasuan, and Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri in the North East Region.
In Bawku West, efforts were focused on communities such as Sapeliga, Kopella, and Widnaba, empowering residents to contribute to peace and development. The project emphasized inclusive decision-making and promoted the participation of women and marginalized groups in community governance. Training provided to community members increased their confidence to engage in district-level processes, including budgeting.
Mr. Baniyigane noted that the project led to improved decision-making structures, increased access to farmland for women, and enhanced ownership of productive resources, including livestock. The peace monument was conceived by the UN agencies to sustain the project's legacy, serving as a reminder of the importance of peace.
Madam Sarah Ibrahim, a women leader from Widnaba, expressed appreciation for the organization's role in promoting peace and fostering inclusivity. She highlighted the project's impact on providing equal access to education for both male and female children and involving everyone in decision-making.
Mr. Robert Anani, Assembly Member for the Kopella Electoral Area, noted that the project strengthened unity and enhanced collective decision-making, promoting harmony within families and communities. He emphasized the complexity of conflict and the need for continued engagement.
Naba Avoka Ayeebo, a sub-chief and representative of the Widnaba traditional authority, remarked on the project's significant reduction in domestic violence and farmer-herder conflicts. He described peace as vital to development and commended YHFG for its lasting impact.
Mr. James Ayamwego, the District Chief Executive for Bawku West, praised YHFG and its partners for their contribution to peace and social cohesion in the district. He urged residents to uphold the values symbolized by the monument.
Mr. Michael Zuure, Administrator at YHFG, expressed gratitude to community members and stakeholders for their cooperation throughout the project's implementation. He highlighted the sustainability of peace across beneficiary communities as the intervention's most significant achievement and encouraged residents to promote dialogue and resolve disputes amicably.