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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
The spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the implementation of the NDC government’s No Fee Stress policy, arguing that the programme has failed to deliver on its core promise.
According to him on Starr fm, the policy, which was introduced to ensure stress free payment of fees for level 100 tertiary students, has rather turned into what he described as post stress support.
He explained that students are required to pay their fees first before applying for reimbursement, a situation he believes defeats the purpose of the policy.
He questioned claims by government officials that the policy has been successful and that citizens are happy.
In his view, such claims do not reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians. He stressed that while some people may appear satisfied, many others continue to struggle.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye pointed to the situation of trained teachers and nurses who have been picketing for nearly six months, demanding employment.
He noted that government responses suggesting it cannot accommodate all of them contradict claims of economic stability.
He further argued that economic indicators such as a stable currency mean little to people who are unable to secure jobs or access promised support.
He observed that telling an unemployed teacher or a struggling student that the cedi has strengthened does not address their immediate challenges.
On the issue of tertiary education, he maintained that no level 100 student benefited from stress free fees in 2025, despite the policy being announced.
He added that in 2026, students have already reported to school without receiving the promised support.
He insisted that asking students to pay fees first and seek reimbursement later amounts to support after hardship, not stress free education.
According to him, this approach goes against what was promised during the policy announcement.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned why a government that presents the economy as strong is unable to fulfil what he described as simple and clear promises.
He added that there is a fundamental problem with the way the economy is being managed and indicated that he is prepared to explain his position further.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has issued a strong public statement calling for an end to what he describes as continuous attacks on his brand, following an apology from media commentator Awal Mohammed.
In the statement, Shatta Wale acknowledged the apology but stressed that persistent criticism and what he sees as deliberate attempts to damage his image must stop.
He noted that for many years, he has spoken for the streets, the youth, and people who feel ignored by society, while also promoting Ghana on the global stage and creating jobs through his work.
He expressed concern that some media personalities, commentators, and influential figures continue to target his name unfairly.
According to him, the issue goes beyond music and touches on respect, fairness, and national maturity.
The musician warned that continued disrespect toward voices that represent ordinary people could have wider consequences.
He emphasised that the Shatta Movement remains strong and organized, and that the patience of the masses should not be taken for granted.
He added that if systems continue to fail the people, they have the ability to organize politically through numbers and truth, not violence or hate.
Shatta Wale clarified that his message was not a threat but a reminder of reality, stressing that attacking a symbol that represents millions of people can have social, cultural, and democratic effects.
He called for respect, fairness, and unity, saying the voice of the people will always rise.
The statement comes after Awal Mohammed recently described Shatta Wale fans during a public discussion as junkies.
The comments triggered backlash from fans of the musician, prompting Awal to later issue an apology.
By: Jacob Aggrey
