The workshop, organised by the National Peace Council (NPC), in partnership with the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Ministry of Interior, is also to explore ways of addressing some conflicts in the country and strengthen partnership between Parliament and Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA’s).

Mr Ishmael Ashitey, Greater Accra Regional Minister, said Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

He said to achieve this goal, it was expected that, the country worked towards a significant reduction of all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere, as well as strengthen relevant national institutions through international cooperation, for building capacities at all levels, to prevent violence and combat terrorism as well as crime.

He said as MMDCEs, the benefits of equipping themselves with conflict resolution techniques could not be overemphasized, as they serve as chairpersons to the Metropolitan Municipal and District Security Councils and also played a key role of settling disputes in their administrative areas.

Mr Ambrose Dery, Minister of the Interior, said the training, which is the first of its kind for MMDCEs, would offer them the capacity, to better handle and deal with conflict sensitive issues that come to their attention in their day to day duties.

He said Ghana had enjoyed relative peace, in the West African Sub-region, which was noted for violent conflicts, especially, during and after the conduct of elections to elect leaders, and have been praised in the international circles, as a safe haven in a rather troubled sub-region.

 Mr Dery said since most conflicts are local, MMDCEs have a critical role to play in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts, hence the need for this workshop aimed at building their capacities to respond positively to conflict issues to make you conflict sensitive during your service.

“The Greater Accra Region is very strategic; it is the gateway to Ghana and home of our vibrant Capital City. Although the smallest region, it is the most densely populated, containing the two great metropolitan areas of Accra and Tema, as well as the Country’s major industrial and commercial centres.

"It is also the seat of the three arms of government-executive, legislature and judiciary, as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies in this country.  Conflicts in the region have the potential to threaten not only of the region but the nation as a whole.” He expressed the hope that workshop would not only enhance the capacity of MMDCEs in the region, but strengthen the collaboration between the MMDAs and the Ministry of the Interior and the NPC in working for the peace, security and safety of our dear country.

“The Ministry expects that after the workshop, MMDCEs would integrate conflict sensitivity in their development plans and agendas, enhance their capacity in conflict mediation, create a platform for peace dialogue between NPC and District Assemblies, and build strong collaboration to feed the early warning mechanisms.”

The Minister assured that the Government through his Ministry and the NPC, would continue to partner with the Assemblies to make the region more peaceful. Most Rev. Prof Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the NPC said as the nationally mandated body for peace and conflict initiatives, the National Board had been coordinating and harmonizing all peace efforts for joint delivery at the national, regional, district and community levels.

The role of MMDCEs in resolving conflicts, therefore, was more acute, considering its potential contribution to reducing poverty and the well-recognised correlation between conflict and poverty.

“Furthermore, by channelling the efforts of MMDCEs on issues of mutual interest poverty, equitable distribution of resources, and economic development, they can attempt to guard against the creation of an environment that enables the escalation of conflicts.”

Most Rev. Asante said; “in other to carry out the task of maintaining law and order and build peace, their capacities need to be enhanced in the area of conflict analysis, negotiation, confidence building, mediation and conflict resolution.

This engagement with MMDCE’s, would make it possible for them to develop the appropriate mechanisms needed to respond to potential or real conflicts in their localities, enable all Regional Peace Councils to undertake public outreach and community relations; facilitate the organisation of activities that build friendship, promote trust, tolerance, good will and reconciliation between communities.