Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, stressed the importance of women’s participation in peacebuilding. She called for their expanded role in ending gun violence across Ghana. Her remarks were made on Thursday, May 28, at a seminar organized by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA). The event marked the 2026 International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament.
Dr. Lartey spoke on behalf of Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. The seminar focused on “Women and girls as Active Agents of Peace and Disarmament”. It aimed for awareness and action towards a gun-violence-free Ghana. The Vice President’s commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive development was conveyed. The minister noted that leadership opportunities should be open to everyone. Ghana’s first female Vice President serves as a symbol of progress. Her position shows leadership spaces are not only for men. Women and girls can lead with excellence. They possess vision and resilience, she stated.
The minister highlighted women's often overlooked role as peacekeepers in families and communities. Their contributions to preventing and resolving conflicts are significant. Dr. Lartey emphasized that lasting peace needs more than security interventions. It demands active empowerment of women and girls in peace processes. She described the spread of illegal weapons as a major threat. It impacts development, human rights, and humanitarian efforts. This issue particularly harms women and children. Gun violence disrupts lives and weakens communities. It exposes women and girls to greater risks. These include gender-based violence and displacement.
The seminar brought together various leaders. Women leaders, civil society groups, and faith-based organizations attended. Traditional authorities and young girls also participated. The goal was to raise awareness about illegal arms. Participants learned practical tools for peacebuilding. They also learned how to prevent violence nationwide. Dr. Lartey called for stronger collaboration. This includes government bodies, NGOs, and community groups. Such partnerships are vital for violence prevention. They promote safer communities. The minister’s message underscores the multifaceted approach needed. It combines security with social empowerment for lasting peace.
NACSA’s initiative highlights a critical development gap. The economic cost of gun violence is substantial. It drains public resources on security. It also hinders investment and job creation. According to the World Bank, conflict-related deaths cost economies billions globally. In Ghana, illicit arms contribute to instability. This deters foreign direct investment. It also affects tourism revenues. The minister’s call for women’s involvement is therefore economically relevant. Empowering women in peace processes can lead to more stable environments. Stability is crucial for economic growth. Increased women’s participation can foster more resilient communities. It can also improve resource allocation away from conflict.
The call for women’s increased role signals a shift in security strategy. It moves beyond traditional top-down approaches. It recognizes community-led solutions. This emphasis on grassroots involvement can have significant policy implications. Government agencies will likely need to support more women-led peace initiatives. Funding for these programs will be important. Civil society organizations will play a key role in implementation. The success of these efforts could lead to a reduction in crime rates. It could also improve social cohesion. This would have positive ripple effects on the economy. Investors usually prefer stable and secure environments. The long-term impact on Ghana’s economic trajectory could be substantial.