Young Peace Ambassadors (YPA) – Phase II

Promoting peaceful elections and youth leadership in Northern Ghana

Project overview

The Young Peace Ambassadors (YPA) Phase II project strengthened youth leadership, peacebuilding, and democratic participation in Northern Ghana ahead of and beyond the 2024 general elections. Implemented in Savelugu, Sagnarigu, and Karaga districts, the project empowered young people to act as peace advocates, election observers, and community educators. Through training, dialogue, media engagement, and community outreach, YPA helped prevent violence, counter misinformation, and promote peaceful coexistence.

Why this project matters

Northern Ghana has experienced repeated election-related tensions, political violence, and youth mobilisation for unrest. Young people are often affected the most, yet rarely included as part of the solution. This project responds to that gap by positioning youth not as bystanders, but as leaders for peace, equipped with skills, platforms, and legitimacy to influence their communities positively.

Where we worked

• Savelugu Municipality
• Sagnarigu Municipality (Tamale)
• Karaga District

These areas were identified as election hotspots by the National Peace Council and security agencies.

Who was involved

• Young Peace Ambassadors (YPAs) aged 18–35
• Community members, youth leaders, women leaders, and persons with disabilities
• Traditional and religious leaders
• Local government authorities
• State institutions including the National Peace Council, NCCE, Electoral Commission, Ghana Police Service, and Narcotics Control Commission

What we did

1. Building youth capacity for peace

• Trained 42 Young Peace Ambassadors in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, civic education, and election observation
• Equipped youth with skills to mediate conflicts, counter hate speech, and promote democratic participation

2. Community dialogue and sensitisation

• Organised youth forums, community durbars, peace walks, and drama performances
• Reached thousands of community members with messages on peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship

3. Media engagement

• Hosted radio and TV programmes on peace, elections, and democratic rights
• Used local media to counter misinformation and promote calm during the election period

4. Election observation and rapid response

• YPAs observed polling stations across all three districts
• Youth-led advocacy and early warning actions helped prevent post-election violence and looting

5. Addressing emerging risks

• Organised a Youth Peace Summit focusing on substance abuse and its link to violence
• Worked with the Narcotics Control Commission and Ghana Police Service on prevention messaging

Key results

• Zero election-related violence recorded in all project districts during the 2024 elections
• Over 7,500 people participated directly in project activities
• An estimated 780,000+ people reached through radio, TV, and community outreach
• Youth peace approaches formally adopted by institutions such as the National Peace Council and NCCE
• YPAs continue peace work beyond the project, including mediation in farmer–herder conflicts

Lasting impact

The project created a strong network of trained youth leaders who continue to promote peace, dialogue, and civic responsibility in their communities. Partnerships with state institutions and traditional leaders have strengthened local peace structures, while youth voices are now more visible and respected in democratic and conflict-resolution processes.