Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI), on behalf of the Gbewaa Kingdom, had the honor of showcasing the richness of our traditions during a facilitation session at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
As part of a cultural exchange moment, participants were invited to experience the Takyi Dance, a unique performance where dancers hold short metal pieces and strike them rhythmically with the person in front and behind. The synchronized rhythm is more than just dance; it is a powerful symbol of unity, dialogue, and collective responsibility, values that deeply resonate with the spirit of peacebuilding.
In a creative twist, the 20 participants drawn from 9 West African countries set aside their pens and replaced them with short metal objects to join the Takyi Dance. This interactive experience transformed the training room into a vibrant space of cultural learning, laughter, and cooperation, reminding all present that peace is best sustained when we embrace and respect the diverse cultures that shape our societies.
For NPI, representing the Gbewaa Kingdom at this international course was more than just cultural display, it was an opportunity to demonstrate how traditions can serve as tools for reconciliation, dialogue, and the strengthening of bonds across communities and nations.
This moment will remain a highlight of the course, reflecting how Africa’s cultural wealth can be harnessed to foster understanding and inspire
peace across the continent.
