The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, has cautioned that the growing wave of indiscipline in second-cycle schools poses a significant threat to national peace and security if left unchecked.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the International Day of Peace in Accra, Mr. Choudhury noted that increasing incidents of youth delinquency, ranging from substance abuse and bullying to violent clashes go beyond educational challenges and reflect deeper societal tensions.
“We cannot ignore the troubling rise of violence and indiscipline. What were once isolated incidents have become recurring clashes, sometimes taking on ethnic and religious dimensions, worsened by substance abuse,” he stated.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme: “Act Now for a Peaceful Ghana: Addressing Youth Delinquency in Second-Cycle Schools.” It was organised by the National Peace Council (NPC) and brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, schools, diplomatic missions, and development agencies.
Mr. Choudhury stressed that peace must be seen not just as the absence of conflict, but as the presence of justice, opportunity, and social cohesion.
“Peace encourages peace. Schools must nurture values, families must guide, and we must create real opportunities in skills, education, sports, and creativity. When this happens, Ghana’s youth will be promises to fulfil, not problems to manage,” he added.
While acknowledging initiatives like the “Stop Red Campaign” aimed at curbing youth vices, he urged for more coordinated and sustained efforts to instil values that empower the youth to become ambassadors of peace rather than instruments of conflict.
NPC Board Chairman, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, echoed the call for stronger investment in youth leadership and empowerment, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to promoting peace in schools and communities.
The International Day of Peace, observed globally on September 21, seeks to promote peace ideals and strengthen harmony among nations and peoples.
