In a ceremony at the Nkonya Palace, Youth for Peace and Security-Africa (YPS-Africa) and Citizens Network for Peace and Security in Africa (CNPSA) commemorated the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking peacebuilding efforts in the Alavanyo and Nkonya communities.

Held at the palace of Nanayin Okotor Kwame Tegyi II, paramount chief of Nkonya, the Guardians of Peace Awards celebrated the individuals and leaders whose sacrifices over the past decade have helped transform a history of bloodshed into a legacy of hope and reconciliation.

The event began at 1 p.m. and concluded by 2:30 p.m., drawing attendees from all sectors of the community, including local chiefs, youth leaders, family members of those lost to the conflict, and former members of armed groups.

The Peace and Security Advocate and Executive Director of YPS-Africa and CNPSA, Abraham Korbla Klutsey, led the awards ceremony, highlighting the courage, dedication, and resilience that each honoree brought to the peacebuilding project.

Honorees of the Guardians of Peace Awards 2024

The awards recognised a wide range of contributors whose efforts were vital in maintaining peace over the past decade.

Among the honorees were the late paramount chief, Nana Okotor Kofi III, the late Regent of Tayi-Nkonya, Yaw Elletey, and the current Paramount Chief of Nkonya, Nanayin Okotor Kwame Tegyi II. Each leader was celebrated for their commitment to sustaining peace and for the crucial roles they played in uniting these communities.

The awards also posthumously honoured individuals who worked selflessly during the project and who continue to be remembered for their dedication to ending the violence.

Families and friends of those lost in the conflict and of deceased peace advocates gathered to pay tribute to their loved one’s legacy, offering a powerful reminder of the deep impact of peace efforts on personal and community levels.

Objectives of the Guardians of Peace Awards

The ceremony underscored several objectives critical to fostering continued peace and development in Alavanyo and Nkonya:

Nurturing Local Resilience: The ceremony celebrated the communities’ resilience, reinforcing the collective resolve to prevent a resurgence of violent conflict.

Encouraging Youth to Guard Peace: Youth leaders were specifically acknowledged for their ongoing roles in safeguarding community peace and deterring younger generations from forming or joining armed groups.

Attracting Developmental Support: By highlighting the positive changes in the region, YPS-Africa and CNPSA aimed to attract more developmental organizations to contribute to education, health, and social projects in Alavanyo and Nkonya.

The event also promoted Peacebuilding at the Edge of Death, a book by YPS-Africa, which chronicles the decade-long journey of this youth-led peace initiative.

The book shares insights into how collaborative community efforts and youth engagement can reshape even the most entrenched conflicts.

The Guardians of Peace Awards served as a powerful testament to the resilience and dedication of Alavanyo and Nkonya residents, united in their commitment to a future of peace and growth.