With immense gratitude and a shared sense of purpose, we are proud to announce that Mr Alhassan Somed Dasana, Executive Director of Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI), was awarded a fully funded scholarship by the Government of Austria to participate in the prestigious Political Advisor Course (PolAd) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra.
The 2025 edition of the Political Advisor Course made possible through the generous support of the Austrian Government brought together participants from across West African countries and United Nations Missions. The intensive training focused on vital themes such as:
• Conflict analysis
• Negotiation and mediation
• Strategic communication
• Public diplomacy and media engagement
• The role of political advisors in peace support operations
At the opening ceremony, the Austrian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jürgen Heissel, reaffirmed Austria’s deep commitment to global peacebuilding, stating:
“Austria has a legacy as an honest broker and bridge builder… Under the motto of partnership, dialogue and trust, we are ready to again take responsibility and contribute meaningfully to peace and security.”
The Commandant of #KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Akrong, also underscored the course’s importance:
“The role of the political advisor is critical for providing mission leadership with proper analysis and actionable recommendations. This course equips participants with internationally-required competencies to function effectively in complex peace operations.”
The course content strongly aligns with the mission and vision of NPI, which remains committed to peace, inclusive dialogue, social cohesion, and good governance in Ghana and beyond. This opportunity has further enhanced NPI’s capacity to:
• Engage with political and community stakeholders
• Strengthen early warning systems
• Advance sustainable conflict transformation strategies
This milestone is not just a personal achievement, but a collective success for Nanung and a testament to our efforts as a grassroots peacebuilding organization. NPI continues to work with traditional authorities, religious leaders, youth, and women to build resilient, informed, and united communities capable of resolving disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding.
By integrating professional political advisory techniques into our community-driven strategies, NPI reaffirms its role in promoting regional stability, preventing violence, and fostering sustainable development.
We thank all partners, supporters, and community members who continue to believe in and support this vision.
