About Us
Olof Palme Peace Foundation (OPPF) is a United Nations-accredited, not-for-profit, non-political, non-governmental organisation that seeks to protect and uphold the rights of those being marginalised. The organisation was founded in Ghana in 1986 by Osoronko Nana-Yabani, a linguist, historian, international poet and a UN peace messenger of Ghanaian origin.
Guided by the belief that every man, woman and child deserves to live a life free from discrimination and violence, OPPF works to promote women’s rights and with empowerment of women, emphasising education, safety and protection, business opportunities, family and societal support, and health services. To promote these goals, OPPF’s main mission is within particular response to, and prevention of, violence against women and girls.
The inspiration behind this organisation is Olof Palme, former Prime Minister of Sweden (1969-1976; 1982- 1986); a towering figure in the field of international peace, gender equality, democracy and justice for all mankind.
As a young adult growing up in Ghana, inspired by Olof Palme’s profoundly humane view of the world and his efforts guided by the vision of a better world for all, Osoronko Nana-Yabani founded the peace foundation, OPPF, in 1986. Sharing in the belief that public commitment is a key prerequisite for change and a key proponent in equal rights is women’s participation generating stronger commitment to long term solutions: these principles form the core foundation of OPPF.
OPPF headquarters were previously located in Kumasi, Ghana with the majority of projects and programs have been implemented in this area on a communal grassroots level.
The OPPF headquarters were relocated to New York in 2007 to further build upon the organisation’s association with the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI). Following the establishment of an OPPF chapter in Nairobi, Kenya, and in Stockholm, Sweden, along with close partnerships amongst various local women’s groups in eastern Kenya, OPPF is currently initiating a larger project focusing on women and children exposed to violence.
OPPF continues to promote its work and increase awareness about the issues surrounding violence against women and their basic rights, through its involvement and participation in the United Nations Culture of Peace Initiative, the Africa Civil Society on the Information Society and UNIFEM’s Say NO-UNITE to End Violence against Women global initiative.
As a United Nations DPI accredited organisation, OPPF work is guided by the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. OPPF holds a Certificate of Non-Profit Status pursuant to Section 402 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, with NYS Department of State and is in the process of receiving its Tax-Exempt Status (105(c)3) with the Internal Revenue Service.