Conflict transformation through peace education: The case of West African network for peace building- Ghana (WANEP-Ghana)

Peace education is recognized as one of the effective ways to promote peace. Peace education as a concept and practice has emerged as central force in peacebuilding and conflict transformation. This study focuses on the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding-Ghana WANEP- Ghana, and its quest to promote peace and transform conflict through peace education in the Ghanaian context. The study seeks to answer the research question: "How peace education at WANEP-Ghana is operationalized and applied as part of conflict transformation approach and peacebuilding mechanism in Ghana? 'To answer this question, qualitative research approach is applied to gather both primary and secondary data. Semi-structured interviews were practiced/applied to ascertain the perception and perspective of key informants of the organisation understudy. The study highlights specific programs and activities as peace education approaches with which the network used to promote peace in Ghana. The findings of the study indicate that peace education at WANEP-Ghana is largely focused on the non-formal aspect, thus the educational initiatives and programs of the organisation that occurs outside formal school system and structure. The study gathered that the delay of court cases at the law courts of Ghana awaiting final determinations and the problems of funding are mainly the challenges militating against the organisation and its quest to transforming conflict. The study also maintains that despite the challenges confronting the organisation, it continues to play active role in the area of conflict transformation and peace promotion in Ghana. Keywords: Peacebuilding, Education, Peace Education, Conflict Resolution, Civil Society Organisation