President John Mahama has inaugurated the reconstituted Governing Board of the National Peace Council, tasking its members with a critical role in safeguarding Ghana’s peace and stability.
In a ceremony held at the Presidency, President Mahama urged the newly appointed board to rise above partisan considerations and resist any attempts at manipulation, emphasising their responsibility as custodians of the nation’s conscience.
“Ghanaians are calling on you to rise above partisanship, resist manipulation, and become the custodian of our peace and the nation’s conscience,” President Mahama stated directly to the board members. He stressed the importance of building public trust in the Council’s mediation efforts, recognising that sustained peace is essential for Ghana’s continued development.
The President emphasised the diverse composition of the 13-member board and expressed confidence in their ability to collaborate effectively with key stakeholders. He specifically called for stronger partnerships with the Electoral Commission, the Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and traditional as well as religious authorities.
President Mahama also emphasised the need to institutionalise pre-election dialogue platforms to foster understanding and avert conflict.
Addressing the ongoing challenges posed by chieftaincy disputes, President Mahama cited the protracted conflict in Bawku and other potential flashpoints. He urged the National Peace Council to complement ongoing mediation efforts to secure lasting and peaceful resolutions.
“Violence in Bawku has claimed numerous lives and displaced several households. Chieftaincy conflicts are also rife, and it is incumbent upon the National Peace Council to work assiduously if we are to maintain Ghana’s image as an oasis of peace in our sub-region,” he said.
Minister for the Interior Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, in his remarks, announced that Ghana will chair and host the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC), marking a significant step in the nation’s commitment to global peace and security.
The minister confirmed, “In a few months, GAAMAC’s headquarters will be moved from Switzerland to Ghana. ”
The members of the Reconstituted National Peace Council are:
1. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fianu, SVD
2. Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, Ph.D.
3. Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye
4. Bishop Dr. Victor Osei
5. Alhaji Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih
6. Sheik Salman Mohammed Alhassan
7. Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu
8. Numo Blafo Akotia Omaℇtu III
9. Linda Teye
10. Dr. Abubakar Umar Alhassan
11. Georgette Francois
12. Susan Aryeetey
13. Nana Effah-Apenteng
