Elijah Wuntimah Mbawini: A Visionary Leader and Peace Advocate
Elijah Wuntimah Mbawini is a dynamic and passionate individual dedicated to making a lasting impact in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian service. Born and raised in Bawku, a town in northern Ghana marked by ethnic and political conflict, Elijah has firsthand experience of the devastating effects of violence and instability. This upbringing instilled in him a deep commitment to peace, education, and service to humanity, which has been the driving force behind his life’s work.
Educational Background and Professional Expertise
Elijah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Communication Technology (ICT) with a focus on Software Engineering from Presbyterian University College, Ghana. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Security and Conflict Studies at Dublin City University (DCU) through the prestigious Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES). His academic background has equipped him with technical skills in ICT, strategic thinking, and a profound understanding of the global security landscape.
Elijah’s diverse career includes experience as a Principal Administrative Officer and Acting Administrator at Janga Senior High Technical School under the Ghana Education Service. His role in education has enhanced his leadership and organizational skills, while his passion for conflict resolution and peacebuilding continues to shape his broader mission. Elijah’s multilingual proficiency in English, Twi, Moli, Kusal, Mampruli, and conversational Hausa further positions him as an effective communicator and mediator across diverse African communities.
The Birth of a Humanitarian Initiative: Uplifting Rural Communities
In 2020, Elijah and three friends embarked on a mission that would become the cornerstone of his humanitarian journey. Motivated by the desire to uplift underprivileged rural communities, they formed a charity group aimed at providing support to children in conflict-affected and impoverished regions. The core team consisted of Elijah, an administrative officer in Ghana; a PhD student in the United States; a professional videographer; and a childhood friend working in media. Later, a professional driver joined them, though the group collectively shared driving duties on their long trips across Ghana.
Despite facing immense challenges in resource mobilization, Elijah and his team persevered. They relied on personal savings and contributions from family and friends to fund their activities, covering expenses, purchasing study materials, and facilitating travel. Their determination led them to distribute used clothing, books, mathematical sets, and foodstuffs to children in some of Ghana’s most marginalized communities. Their first major journey was a three-day trip covering over 750 kilometers from Accra to Elijah’s hometown of Bawku, where they navigated the complexities of visiting schools in both Mamprusi and Kusasi communities—two warring factions in a long-standing conflict.
Elijah’s approach was unique: he used his personal story of overcoming adversity through education to inspire students, emphasizing the transformative power of knowledge over violence. This initiative not only provided educational materials but also fostered messages of peace and hope, urging students to reject the cycle of violence that had entangled their communities.
Expanding Horizons: Growth of the Charity Work
The initial success of this endeavor paved the way for Elijah and his team to expand their efforts. Each year, they grew stronger, reaching more schools and communities across all 16 regions of Ghana. What started as a small, informal charity group evolved into a powerful grassroots movement impacting the lives of countless children and families. They diversified their donations, offering computers, televisions, and larger scholarships, and expanded their network to include professionals such as doctors, engineers, and military personnel, who served as role models for the students they reached.
Despite the group’s impact, they chose not to formalize their charity with a name or online presence, driven by pure humanitarian motives rather than publicity. However, Elijah recognized the importance of institutionalizing these efforts to sustain and scale their work. This realization laid the foundation for the creation of a more structured and impactful organization.
Founding the African Peace and Mediation Initiative (APMI)
In 2025, Elijah took a significant step in formalizing his peacebuilding and humanitarian work by founding the African Peace and Mediation Initiative (APMI). As the founder and visionary behind APMI, Elijah established the organization with a clear mission: to promote peace, stability, and conflict resolution across Africa through mediation, dialogue, and capacity building.
APMI’s mission is rooted in Elijah’s core belief that African communities, organizations, and governments have the potential to resolve their conflicts peacefully if given the right tools, resources, and support. Elijah’s leadership and personal experiences in conflict zones have shaped APMI’s strategic focus on empowering local actors to manage disputes, mediate conflicts, and foster a culture of understanding and cooperation.
Under Elijah’s guidance, APMI has developed a robust framework for delivering mediation services, providing humanitarian aid, and offering security advisory support to communities affected by conflict. The organization’s vision is to create a peaceful and prosperous Africa where disputes are resolved through dialogue rather than violence, and where justice and human rights are upheld in all interactions.
APMI’s Core Values and Strategic Goals
As the founder, Elijah ensures that APMI operates on the principles of peace, inclusivity, integrity, and empowerment. These values guide the organization’s efforts to:
Personal Growth and Global Aspirations
Elijah’s personal journey from a conflict-torn town in northern Ghana to becoming an influential peace advocate and founder of APMI is a testament to his unwavering faith, resilience, and commitment to uplifting others. His belief in the power of education and peace continues to fuel his drive to make a difference on a global scale. Through his work with APMI, Elijah aspires to expand his reach beyond Ghana, bringing his message of peace and conflict resolution to other parts of Africa and the world.
While logistical challenges have temporarily delayed APMI’s expansion plans, including a postponed tour of Europe, Elijah remains determined to grow the organization internationally. His vision is to make APMI a recognized leader in African peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that African voices are at the forefront of resolving the continent’s most pressing conflicts.
A Continuing Mission: Faith, Resilience, and Hope
Elijah’s journey is far from over. His deep faith in God and strong belief in the power of education and peace drive him forward every day. He remains committed to touching lives, inspiring hope, and transforming communities through APMI and his personal dedication to service.
Elijah’s story is one of triumph over adversity, and through his leadership and tireless work, he continues to make a lasting impact, bringing peace to conflict-ridden areas and hope to those in need. As he often says, “Through Christ who strengthens me, I will continue to rise, touch lives, and bring hope to communities worldwide.”