Hot!
Mobile app for conflict resolution in the offing
Mr Abraham Klutsey
Youth for Peace and Security-Africa, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Ghana with footprints in other African countries, is developing a mobile application called YPS Family to facilitate conflict prevention and resolution in Africa.
When successfully piloted, the mobile app, according to the Executive Director, Mr. Abraham Korbla Klutsey, would effectively and inexpensively facilitate the prevention and resolution of violent and bloody conflicts and wars in Africa.
He said violent conflicts in many parts of Africa were retarding progress and developmental policies such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Silencing the Guns, and ultimately Agenda 2063. “It, therefore, behooves all and sundry to show concern and help find innovative and pragmatic ways to turn the fortunes of the continent around.
Speaking to The Spectator on the innovative ways to curb conflict and how the mobile app would facilitate conflict resolution, Mr. Klutsey said the mobile app which is still in development, would have a multilingual and user-friendly interface to support multiple local languages, making it accessible to a broader range of citizens across Africa, and would also be intuitive and user-friendly to cater for different levels of digital literacy.
Again, the mobile app would allow community members to report potential conflicts or tensions they observe in their localities. This, he said, could be done through text, images, or voice messages, providing real-time data to identify emerging conflicts.
Additionally, the app would be built to use data analytics in order to analyse patterns, trends, and early warning signs of potential conflicts. This would enable the organisations, authorities and relevant stakeholders to proactively address emerging issues before they escalate.
The app, according to Mr. Klutsey, would create a platform for community members, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in online discussions and dialogues, explaining that “this will foster communication, build relationships, and enable the exchange of ideas and perspectives.”
The mobile app, which would be available for download on Playstore, IOS and other mobile application platforms, includes a mediation module to provide step-by-step guidance on conflict resolution.
Users can access resources, guidelines, and even virtual mediation sessions facilitated by trained mediators to address disputes.
While it offers practical tips and techniques for conflict prevention, such as effective communication, negotiation skills, and peaceful problem-solving strategies, users can access this information through interactive videos, quizzes, or animated guides, he said.
The app would provide legal information and resources, including relevant laws, regulations, and customary practices related to chieftaincy and land disputes, and also allow users to map and document land ownership, boundaries, and disputed areas. This can help in visualising and clarifying land-related issues, reducing ambiguity and potential conflicts.
By Portia Hutton-Mills
Hot!
Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
Hot!
Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
