{
  "id": 9700403,
  "title": "Investing in jobs, livelihoods critical to sustaining peace – Omanhene",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/investing-in-jobs-livelihoods-critical-to-sustaining-peace-omanhene",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T04:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/investing-in-jobs-livelihoods-critical-to-sustaining-peace-omanhene/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Baffour Owusu Bediako, Omanhene of the Domeabra Traditional Area, has emphasized the critical importance of investing in job creation, sustainable agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship to foster peace and deter young people from partaking in violent activities. He argued that economic difficulties and limited opportunities could leave vulnerable individuals susceptible to actions that jeopardize peace and stability within their communities.\n\nDuring a ceremony marking the 2026 International Day of Peace in Kumasi, he stressed that peacebuilding should extend beyond conflict resolution to include proactive measures aimed at generating economic opportunities for individuals, especially the youth, to support themselves and actively contribute to society. According to the Omanhene, conflicts flourish when individuals have nothing to do, and when economic prospects are constrained, there is room for non-peaceful actions.\n\nHe highlighted that investing in sustainable agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship could generate livelihoods and alleviate the conditions that might incite social unrest and community conflicts. The Omanhene also pointed out that economic empowerment could diminish the susceptibility of young people to manipulation by politicians or traditional leaders, who might otherwise lure them into engaging in violent activities.\n\nBaffour Owusu Bediako advocated for enhanced social cohesion, warning that sustained peace could not exist when certain segments of society feel marginalized from decision-making. He urged leaders to set aside ethnic, political, and familial divisions, ensuring that women, minority ethnic groups, and individuals with disabilities participate meaningfully in community governance. He believed that granting community members a stake in governance would bolster trust, diminish tensions, and foster collective responsibility for peace.\n\nMoreover, he stressed the necessity for traditional authorities to bolster mediation mechanisms for early dispute resolution, preventing conflicts from escalating into prolonged strife. The Omanhene encouraged traditional leaders to view disputes as stewards working for the same communities rather than rivals vying for influence. He commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his leadership in employing traditional diplomacy and customary authority to mediate disputes and promote peace.\n\nFinally, Baffour Owusu Bediako urged all stakeholders to view peace as a daily responsibility, asserting that sustainable development could only flourish in an environment where people feel secure, included, and economically empowered.",
  "summary": "Baffour Owusu Bediako, Omanhene of the Domeabra Traditional Area, has called for increased investment in job creation, sustainable agriculture, education and entrepreneurship to promote peace and prevent young people from engaging in violence.",
  "key_points": [
    "Economic difficulties and limited opportunities make youth vulnerable to violent actions.",
    "Enhanced social cohesion and inclusive governance essential for sustained peace."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}