KAIPTC Empowers Women and Youth for Ghana’s 2024 Elections.

Accra: The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in partnership with the Women Situation Room Consortium, has initiated a three-day training programme for women and youth election observers as Ghana gears up for its pivotal 2024 general elections. This strategic effort aligns with KAIPTC's mission to bolster inclusivity and gender equity in peace and security processes.According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative, spearheaded by the Women, Youth, Peace, and Security Institute (WYPSI) of KAIPTC, with funding from the Swiss Government, is designed to enhance the capacity of women and youth to ensure transparent, peaceful, and inclusive elections. The training aims to equip 100 participants, predominantly women, with essential skills for election observation in the Volta, Northern, Greater Accra, and Ashanti regions with 25 beneficiaries drawn from each region focused on fostering gender and social inclusion.With interactive sessions designed to sharpen the observation and reporti ng skills of participants, the training programme will tackle topics including topics such as the electoral code of conduct, conflict prevention mechanisms, and impartial reporting. Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, Deputy Commandant, KAIPTC, who officially opened the three-day intensive training for beneficiaries in Accra said, the role of election observers was indispensable in preventing electoral violence and ensuring transparency."This training will prepare participants to detect irregularities such as voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and vote-buying, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are respected," he emphasized. The Deputy Commandant noted that as the country approached the critical 2024 general elections, it was imperative that it harnessed the power of the youth and women to safeguard its democratic processes."Your role as an impartial observer is crucial to ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process. Any bias or partisanship can undermine the trust and confiden ce of the electorate. Failure to maintain impartiality can lead to the erosion of democratic norms, social unrest, and even violence," he advised the participants. Air Cdre Akrong added that their actions had the power to shape the future of the nation, and that. "endeavour to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, you can contribute to a peaceful, fair, and transparent election."Acknowledging the financial and logistical support of the Swedish Government, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Air Commodore Akrong praised their commitment to empowering marginalized groups in the country, and that their partnership underscored the value of international cooperation in advancing democracy and peace.Ms. Horname Noagbesenu, acting Director, Women, Youth Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI), KAIPTC, said the training programme represented a critical step in empowering women and youth as key stakeholders in the democratic process, particularly in safegu arding the integrity of the electoral process. Highlighting the importance of initiative, she stated, "We want to ensure women and youth understand their role in electoral processes and contribute effectively to decision-making and peacebuilding. By empowering them, we address not only election monitoring but also broader democratic participation."Ms. Noagbesenu, also the substantive Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at KAIPTC, explained that the training was informed by the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes women's participation in peace processes. She, therefore, observed that the training sought to promote vigilance and informed engagement during electoral activities by equipping women and the youth with the tools to serve as neutral arbiters to mitigate potential electoral violence.Melody Darkey, Executive Director of WiLDAF Ghana, a partner organisation, expressed optimism about the program's impact, saying "Women are vital stakehol ders in democracy. By training them as observers, we ensure their voices are not just heard but amplified in shaping Ghana's political future". She reiterated that the role of election observers could not be overstated, and their presence and vigilance were vital in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that the voices of all citizens, especially women, were heard and respected.Ms Monica Apusiyine, a participant, expressed optimism that the training programme will empower her to not only observe but contribute to a peaceful electoral process.