Grace Akosua Dankwa

Grace Akosua Dankwa is a versatile and highly skilled professional. She brings extensive experience in research, analysis, and programme management to her role as Head of the Youth and Gender Programme at the Centre for Alternative Politics & Security, West Africa (CAPS-WA). With a deep passion for bridging the gap between policy and practice, Grace has worked across multiple sectors, focusing on peacebuilding, development, and gender inclusivity.

Her educational background includes a Master of Arts in Conflict, Peace, and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, a Master of Science in Defense and International Politics from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with Sociology from the University of Ghana. These academic credentials underpin her commitment to addressing complex socio-political issues, particularly those affecting women and youth in conflict and peace processes.

Grace has worked with prestigious organisations such as the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Ghana, the Global Network for Women in Peacebuilding (GNWP), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In these roles, she has conducted in-depth research on conflict dynamics, contributed to developing policy briefs, and facilitated large-scale peacebuilding programs. Her work in amplifying women’s voices in peacebuilding, alongside her expertise in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agendas, has significantly impacted the peacebuilding landscape.

In her current role at CAPS-WA, Grace leads initiatives to empower young people and women to play an active role in peace and security dialogues. She is committed to fostering inclusive, sustainable solutions to security challenges in West Africa, ensuring that youth and women perspectives are at the forefront of policy discussions. Her leadership is instrumental in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and justice, particularly in marginalised communities.

With fluency in English, working knowledge of French, and basic proficiency in Spanish and Arabic, Grace is adept at engaging with diverse audiences and stakeholders across the region. She has worked and delivered presentations in countries such as  Rwanda, Tanzania,  DRC, USA, and Kenya. Her international exposure and her project management, research, and advocacy skills position her as a key driver of CAPS-WA’s mission to promote alternative and sustainable security solutions in West Africa.