In preparation for the upcoming elections in December 2024, FOSDA in collaboration with the KAIPTC and a consortium of women groups including AWLN, WILDAF, WOMNET-GH and the UNOWAS Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security worked together to strengthen the capacities of gender advocates, eminent women and mediators in electoral dispute and conflict resolution. 

With the objective to empower these women with skills in electoral dispute and conflict resolution and preparing them to be peacekeepers during this critical period, the three day training (28th to 30th October) was hinged on the theme “Ghana’s 2024 Election: Enhancing the capacities of women mediators for electoral dispute resolution”. 

This activity is rooted in the goals of UNSCR 1325’s pillars which focuses on increasing women’s active participation in peace and security processes and safeguarding their rights. Therefore, through our shared vision, we are creating a future in which women are recognized and empowered as pivotal leaders in peacebuilding: an homage to the 24th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security commemorated every 30th October.

During the opening ceremony on Monday, 28th October 2024, Mrs. Theodora Williams-Anti the FOSDA Executive Director and convener of the UNOWAS Working Group on Women, Youth, Peace and Security mentioned that this collaborative effort underscores the critical role women play in maintaining peace and stability and it aims to mobilise and empower these eminent women and mediators to support and take ownership of peace processes during, before and after elections, particularly as these periods in Ghana can be politically charged. 

Her Eminence Mrs. Joana Opare, Board Member of the National Peace Council, expressed optimism about the training’s impact. She encouraged participants to hone in on their strengths and bring these forward as peacebuilders. By the end of the three-day course, she hoped the women would feel confident in their roles and ready to contribute meaningfully to a peaceful election process. 

Dr. Charity Binka, chair of African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) also called on the women to be “trainers of trainers”. Reflecting on how conflict disproportionately affects women, she reminded them of their responsibility to safeguard peace. Dr. Binka noted that AWLN’s objectives, particularly in political participation and peacebuilding, align closely with the goals of the training.

KAIPTC’s Senior Program Officer, Mr. Edmund Akoto-Bamfo, also stressed the importance of the training. He reminded the participants that they were shaping the future of Ghana’s democracy. Mr. Akoto-Bamfo urged them to be leaders in ensuring that women’s and youth voices are heard and respected throughout the electoral process. He thanked the Swedish Embassy for funding the initiative, making it possible to enhance the capacity of women mediators as frontline peacebuilders. 

Over the three-day course, from October 28 to 30, these women received in-depth training in conflict analysis, electoral dispute management, and the nuances of mediating election-related conflicts.

The training culminated with the certification of 24 professional women from diverse backgrounds in governance and civil society. These women mediators are prepared to engage in dialogue and resolve conflicts, bringing an inclusive and diverse perspective to Ghana’s electoral process. Their involvement in conflict resolution highlights the essential role women play in fostering dialogue and reducing tensions—especially in a country where traditional gender roles have often limited women’s participation in public life. Their commitment to peace also honours UNSCR 1325’s legacy. 

This successful training marks a significant step forward for Ghana, underscoring the impact of investing in women’s leadership within peacebuilding frameworks. By supporting these mediators and giving them a platform to utilize their skills, Ghana moves closer to a peaceful and democratic election in December 2024 and sets the stage for a more inclusive electoral landscape in the future.