Since 2023, the Youth Interreligious Parliament: Convening for Dialogue and Action project is being implemented in the North East region of Ghana. Through this project, we have convened community dialogues, engaged a wide-range of stakeholders and facilitated the establishment of the first-ever Youth Interreligious Parliament in Ghana. This parliament allows for young people to engage in constructive dialogue, share ideas, lead positive examples in their communities and make recommendation on peace and governance to public officials and other stakeholders.
At a recent parliamentary sitting ahead of Ghana’s 2024 election, a communique containing 10-point recommendations was issued.
Excitedly, with additional funding from the Staehlin Foundation, with the technical assistance of Greycells, and the Kofi Annan Foundation, we are pleased to announce that the youth interreligious parliament: convening for dialogue and action project has been extended two more years; with this extension, we are pleased to welcome 30 additional Youth MPs from five new communities bring the total of Youth MPs to 60 Youth MPs across 60 communities.
Why the Youth Interreligious Parliament is needed
Northern Ghana has long faced unresolved conflicts fueled by religious, ethnic, political, and land disputes. These tensions have bred mistrust, discrimination, and, at times, escalated into armed confrontations. The region’s proximity to volatile border areas heightens the risk of violent extremist elements exploiting these vulnerabilities, threatening Ghana’s peace, security, and development efforts.
The Youth Interreligious Parliament: Convening for Dialogue and Action project is implemented to tackle these challenges head-on by providing young people with a safe space for dialogue, equipping them with essential skills in negotiation, tolerance, and conflict resolution and facilitating the co-creation and implementation of peace activities in their communities.
Under this initiative, the Youth Interreligious Parliament was Initially launched with 30 youth from five communities, the project’s success and impact have paved the way for its expansion to ten communities with 60 youth MPs. This initiatives contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 16 (Peace and Justice), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Youth: Key to Ghana’s Peace and Development
With youth comprising over 34% of Ghana’s population, their involvement in peacebuilding is critical. The Youth Interreligious Parliament ensures their voices are heard and perspectives represented in decision-making processes thus supporting UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which emphasizes the importance of youth in peacebuilding and governance.
The expansion of the Youth Interreligious Parliament demonstrates the commitment of partners in this project to empowering and developing the potentials of young people.
