Ghana Scouts help curb election violence and promote peace
For the last ten years Ghana has been successful in conducting peaceful elections but conflicts arising in the last one year have created instability in some regions putting at risk the good work of many years. Ghana is widely regarded as one of the most promising countries in Africa and has been in the list of fastest growing economies in the continent for several years now. The Ghana Scout Association undertook a Messengers of Peace project to educate young people in peace and leadership, and to promote active citizenship of the youth to prevent violence. Ghana Scouts also brought together several other youth organisations to join hands with the Scouts in spreading the message of peace in the community.
Activities developed during the project
MESSENGERS OF PEACE CUB SCOUT JUNGLE EXPEDITION
On the 3rd November 2012, 47 Cub Scouts and 13 leaders from Nima district embarked on a Messenger of Peace Jungle Expedition at the National Scout Training Centre in Ghana. First, they were introduced to the concept of Messengers of Peace to help them understand its meaning and importance. The Cub Scouts were then divided into patrols and had the possibility to work in small groups to promote mutual help and understanding. The Cub Scouts worked in a team spirit to develop Scout skills though activities and games while exploring nature and its wonders.
PEACE BUILDING AND TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES FOR GHANA’S YOUTH
November was a very active month for Scouts in Ghana with another activity to raise peaceful awareness among youth. On the 24th November 2012, hundreds of Ghana Scouts were joined by an even larger number of young participants from partner youth organisations to raise peace awareness. They young people gathered at the national sports stadium in Accra for an event called “Peace in Ghana, Youth concerned” with the presence of several press and media persons and the general public. Trees were planted by leaders from participating organizations, invited Guests and dignitaries at the “28th February Crossroad Park” to symbolize the physical commitment of Ghana’s youth towards peaceful elections. Through this event Scouts in Ghana strengthened their network with other youth organisations and have opened the doors for future joint events.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO PROMOTE PEACE
As part of their MoP project titled “Scouts promoting peaceful elections in Ghana” and after several pockets of post-election violence, the Ghana Scouts Association organized a press conference on 19th December 2012, at the Ghana International Press Center, in Accra, to make a statement for peace. Attending this conference were about 100 people, including Scouts, members of other youth organizations and the media, who have called on all political parties, religious organizations and the National Peace Council (NPC) to help ensure the peaceful co-existence of the people.
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