The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, has warned that rising youth delinquency in second cycle schools poses a serious threat to Ghana’s peace and security if not urgently addressed.
He said increasing cases of indiscipline, substance abuse, bullying, and violence among students were not just educational concerns but broader social issues that could undermine national stability.
Mr Choudhury made these remarks in Accra at the commemoration of the International Day of Peace.
This year’s was on the theme: ‘Act Now for a Peaceful Ghana: Addressing Youth Delinquency in Second Cycle Schools.’
Organised by the National Peace Council (NPC), the event brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, schools, diplomatic missions, and development partners to emphasise collective action in nurturing peace, tolerance, and social cohesion.
Again, he stressed that peace was not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, respect, and opportunity, warning that violent behaviour in schools often reflects wider societal conflicts.
“We cannot ignore the troubling rise of violence and indiscipline.
What were once isolated incidents have become recurring clashes, sometimes taking on ethnic and religious dimensions, worsened by substance abuse,” he indicated.
While acknowledging initiatives such as the “Stop Red Campaign” to address youth vices, he called for greater collective action to instil values that would empower the youth as agents of peace and cohesion.
“Peace encourages peace. Schools must nurture values, families must guide, and we must create real opportunities in skills, education, sports, and creativity.
When this happens, Ghana’s youth will be promises to fulfil, not problems to manage,” he stated.
The NPC Board Chairman, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, also underscored the need to invest in youth empowerment and leadership so they do not become tools of conflict but champions of peace.
He reaffirmed NPC’s commitment to promoting peace in schools and urged stakeholders to act decisively.
The International Day of Peace, marked annually on September 21, seeks to strengthen the ideals of peace within and among nations and peoples.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
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