Yendi, Oct. 31, GNA - Women's groups have been called upon to join in the peace building process in Dagbon by participating actively in decision-making and taking up leadership roles in their communities. Mr William Abakisi, Coordinator of Catholic Diocese of Yendi, who made the call, said in times of conflict it was women and children who suffered the worst human atrocities and therefore they must ensure that all conflict situations in their communities were resolved amicably. Mr Abakisi was speaking at a day's workshop on peace building organised for women groups aimed to transform them into a movement for peace and human rights advocacy in the Yendi District.

The Bishop Peace Initiative of the Catholic Church, the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) and Action Aid Ghana organised the forum for 50 women to enhance their knowledge and skills on peace building and conflict transformation in their communities.

Mr Abakisi appealed to women to stop encouraging their husbands to take to arms at the least provocation or misunderstanding but to embark on peace campaign to promote peaceful co-existence among the people. Mr Peter Atia, Coordinator of Peace and Justice of the Church, urged the women to continue to preach peace to their husbands and children and within the family to help unite Dagbon. He appealed to them to ensure that the prevailing peace in the communities was maintained to enhance the rapid development of the Region.

The Programme Officer In-charge of Economic and Social Development of CRS, Mr Sabie Maah Aidan who took the women through the workshop said they had been empowered with the necessary skills to contribute to the peace process in Dagbon. He advised them to utilize the knowledge they had acquired at the workshop to benefit their people.