With Ghana’s 2024 general elections on the horizon, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) have joined forces to launch a critical Election Observer Training Course.

This initiative, supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), aims to empower women and youth as impartial election observers, tasked with upholding peace, transparency, and democracy throughout the election process.

The training program, held under KAIPTC’s Women, Youth, Peace, and Security Institute (WYPSI) as part of the Women Situation Room Project, underscores the importance of inclusivity in ensuring Ghana’s electoral stability.

The initiative brings together Ghanaian women-focused and women-led organizations to foster the roles of women and youth as vital peacemakers.

In his opening remarks, Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, emphasised the importance of maintaining Ghana’s democratic integrity and lauded the inclusion of women and youth in the training.

“For too long, these vital segments of our society have been marginalised in political processes. Yet, they represent the majority of our population and hold the key to our nation's long-term stability. By empowering women and youth, we empower our democracy,” he said, urging participants to approach their roles with vigilance and impartiality.

The Power of Women in Peacebuilding

Theodora Williams Anti, Executive Director of FOSDA, expanded on the value of women’s involvement in peacebuilding and democratic processes, emphasizing that including women increases the chances of lasting success.

“When women are involved, there is more than a 20% chance of whatever is agreed upon to be more sustainable. For peace, we know the role women are playing in communities—as Queen Mothers, market leaders, and as champions of peace.”

Highlighting the multifaceted roles women play, Anti called for women and youth to be actively included in every decision-making process related to the elections, from the National Peace Council to the Electoral Commission.

“We are saying, involve women, involve youth, whether it’s the National Peace Council, the EC, the police, or the media. Give them a voice, give them a chance, and you’ll exceed your expectations.”

Building Capacity for Sustainable Impact

Anti addressed a common misconception that women and youth cannot serve effectively in election observation roles, asserting that the training would provide participants with the skills and knowledge to succeed.

“Most of the time when you call for women and young people, they say they are not there; they don’t have the capacity. That’s why we are taking the time to give them the skills and knowledge they need to observe the elections and report what’s happening, especially in ways that will promote peace before, during, and after the elections.”

The training is set to run from November 6-8 at the Villa Cisneros Resort in Sogakope, with logistics and details provided through a dedicated WhatsApp platform. Participants are expected to arrive on November 5 and depart on November 9.

Call for Inclusive, Peaceful Elections

Anti concluded with a hopeful message, urging women and youth to use this training to actively promote peace.

“We expect that all participants, especially the women and youth, take this seriously and enhance their capacity to promote peace before, during, and after the elections.”

This training initiative, a collaboration between KAIPTC, FOSDA, and SIDA, highlights the collective dedication to building a peaceful and democratic future.

Through empowering women and youth as observers, this program aims to strengthen Ghana’s electoral process, ensuring an inclusive, transparent election that honors the voices of all citizens.