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On 28 May 2025, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), in collaboration with the Australian High Commission in Ghana, West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), the Sierra Leone High Commission, and the Embassy of Liberia in Ghana, hosted the 2025 Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace Forum at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Accra, Ghana. This high-level forum focused on the theme “Amplifying Women’s Voices in Democratic and Political Transitions.” It explored the vital roles women play in governance, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution, particularly during political transitions and in fragile security environments.
The event attracted approximately 130 participants, including Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, Acting Commandant of KAIPTC; H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana; H.E. Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Ghana; H.E. Musu Jruhle, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to Ghana and Honourable Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior of Ghana. The gathering also included traditional leaders, academics, members of the diplomatic community and the media.
In his welcome remarks, Air Commodore Akrong emphasized “the marginalization of women in socio-political endeavors, particularly in peace and security”. He called for increased involvement of women in peace processes and highlighted the need to create an equitable environment that allows women to fully contribute to national development and peacebuilding efforts.
Honourable Muntaka Mubarak delivered the keynote address on the theme of the event. He eulogized Ghana’s progress in increasing women’s participation and representation in governance, leadership and decision-making with the historic swearing in of the first female Vice President, H.E Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang in January 2025. Honourable Muntaka also cited the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act 2024, which aims at promoting gender equality and women empowerment by addressing the systemic barriers that have hindered women in the Ghanaian society. The Act targets a gender representation of 30% by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030 in appointments to public offices, governance positions, decision-making roles, and leadership positions across various sectors. He further noted the Ministry of Interior’s shift from reactive to preventive measures through collaboration with the National Peace Council and other stakeholders to address the driving factors behind conflicts in the country, including ethnic intolerance and youth unemployment.
On her part, H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones reiterated that for “peacebuilding to be sustainable, it must include the perspectives and contributions of women”. She called for reforms in the peacebuilding and security architecture to facilitate this inclusion.
H.E. Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba commended Ghana’s peaceful political transition and asserted that robust democracy relies on strong institutions, inclusive governance and accountability. He recommended the reforms of the political system to effectively include women in decision-making processes.
In her remarks, H.E. Musu Jruhle stressed the importance of transforming power structures to enhance women’s participation in politics. She urged radical inclusion initiatives to educate women in both leadership roles and grassroots settings, stating, “Security is not complete until women are safe, heard, and respected.”
The forum also featured a policy roundtable session on strengthening regional mechanisms for conflict prevention and stability, with contributions from notable experts including Dr. Festus Kofi Aubyn, Janet Adama Mohammed, Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, and Vera Bediako, who shared strategies for inclusive governance and sustainable peace.
The event concluded with a high-level panel discussion, moderated by Mrs. Levinia Addae-Mensah, Executive Director of WANEP. The discussion featured key figures in women’s peace and security, including Ambassador Medina Wesseh, Manty Tarawalli, Honourable Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and Her Ladyship Justice Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu.
This forum represented a significant step towards amplifying women’s voices in political and democratic processes, reinforcing their essential role in peace and security efforts across the region.
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