Lions International District 418-Ghana, in collaboration with the United Nations Office in Ghana, has marked this year’s Lions Day with the United Nations with a special ceremony in Accra, celebrating young artists and emphasising innovative approaches to peacebuilding.
Held on March 21, 2025, at the Ghana National Children’s Library, the event featured the presentation of awards for the Peace Poster Contest and discussions on the theme “The Future of Service.”
Strengthening Global and Local Partnerships for Peace
District Governor of Lions District 418-Ghana, Dr Helena Asamoah-Hassan, described the occasion as a testament to the long-standing relationship between Lions Clubs and the United Nations, which spans nearly eight decades.
“This event celebrates our shared dedication to service and positive change. Lions Clubs have a long-standing relationship with the UN, and together we’re working to build fair and lasting communities,” she stated.
She further stressed the importance of making the event a regular feature in Ghana, allowing more young people to contribute to national and global conversations on development.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, H.E. Charles Paul Iheanacho Abani, Ms Jennifer Duodu-Mensah commended the Lions Club for its commitment to peace through initiatives like the International Peace Poster Contest.
“This year’s theme, ‘Peace Without Limits,’ resonates deeply with the United Nations’ vision of a world where peace is not just an ideal but a lived reality for all,” she said.
She highlighted ongoing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, instability in the Sahel region, climate change, and inequality, calling for collective action to sustain peace.
She also outlined the UN’s Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023–2025), which prioritises inclusive economic growth, quality social services, and lasting peace in Ghana.
Ghana’s first global peace poster recognition
A major highlight of the event was Ghana’s first-ever global recognition in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.
Thirteen-year-old Albert Nii S. Quarcoopome, a student of Tema Parents Association School, was honoured as the only Ghanaian among 23 global merit winners in the 37th edition of the competition. His artwork was selected from nearly 600,000 submissions worldwide, with his participation sponsored by the Tema Gentlewomen Lions Club.
Other high-performing schools, including Lekma 4 Primary (sponsored by the Accra Premier Lions Club) and Nela SDA Basic School (sponsored by the Tema Industrial Lions Club), were also recognised for their creative interpretation of the theme “Peace Without Limits.”
Role of children in peacebuilding
Peace Poster Chairperson, Mr Kobina Dabi Appiah, underscored the importance of involving children in peacebuilding initiatives, celebrating Ghana’s breakthrough in the competition after years of participation.
“For the past 10 years, we’ve been trying to get this far. This is the first time Ghana has reached this level,” he said.
He explained that engaging children through art encourages deeper reflection on peace, stating: “When they are asked to draw peace, they begin to think deeply. Some even ask, ‘Why are we fighting?’ That curiosity can spark important conversations at home and in school.”
He disclosed plans to extend the contest to conflict-prone areas such as Bawku, where peace education through art could have a significant impact.
“When children in those areas begin to draw their version of peace, it could reshape how they view conflict and community,” he added.
He also noted that while the international contest includes a category for visually impaired children, Ghana has yet to participate due to limited resources for producing and evaluating braille-based artwork.
Broader conversations on peace and development
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms Victoria Emefa said the Ministry was revising Ghana’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and considering ways to include children’s perspectives in peacebuilding efforts.
“We know children are some of the most affected during conflict, and it is important to reflect their concerns and voices. Lions International’s work ties in with our own agenda,” she said.
District Marketing and Communications Chairperson, Mr Oscar Onai, called for a redefinition of peace, urging Lions Clubs to support initiatives that address poverty, inequality, and access to justice, food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
“Peace isn’t just about war. It’s about access to justice, food, shelter, education, and healthcare. If we want peace, we have to tackle poverty and inequality too,” he said.
Mr Kwame Ahinkorah, Co-Founder of the Cambridge Centre of Excellence, advised Lions Clubs to adopt structured, long-term service initiatives rather than one-off activities.
“We must shift from one-time activities to building systems that are adaptable and lasting. The future belongs to those who use data, technology, and proper planning to improve lives,” he stated.
He encouraged Lions Clubs to lead by example, testing innovative service models that could later be adopted by government and other development organisations.
Call for sustainable peacebuilding efforts
The 2025 Lions Day with the UN successfully underscored the role of service, youth empowerment, and creative expression in fostering a sustainable culture of peace.
With Ghana’s first global recognition in the Peace Poster Contest, stakeholders believe that expanding such programmes to reach more communities will further strengthen the country’s commitment to lasting peace and development.
