The Upper East Regional Peace Council has taken a proactive step towards ensuring a peaceful 2024 general election in Ghana by engaging with major political parties. The council recognises the intensity of the election and has initiated talks with the parties to remind them of their responsibilities in maintaining peace before, during, and after the polls.
The council’s engagement with political parties was revealed by Ali Anankpieng, the Upper East Regional Secretary of the Peace Council, during a roundtable discussion on conflict resolution and peace-building organised by A1 Radio in collaboration with the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Office (NABOCADO).
Mr. Anankpieng emphasised the importance of peace in the electoral process and encouraged political parties to prioritise the country’s interests above their party interests.
The Peace Council’s engagement with political parties is in line with the government’s efforts towards a peaceful election.
“We are also not neglecting the political parties because we know that very soon, in fact, if it has not already begun, we know that one of the things that we are going to have would be the intensity of the election. So we are working with all these actors to ensure that peace reigns in the Upper East Region.”
The Ghana Peace Council was established by an Act of Parliament, Act 818, in 2011, to promote and sustain peace, national unity, and development in Ghana. The Council serves as an advisory body to the government, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders in matters relating to conflict prevention, management, and resolution. The Council’s mandate is to prevent the occurrence of conflicts, mediate and resolve conflicts when they arise, and promote national cohesion and reconciliation.
The Ghana Peace Council has eleven members, including representatives from major religious bodies, traditional authorities, the National House of Chiefs, the National Peace Council Secretariat, and the National Commission for Civic Education. The members are appointed by the President of Ghana upon the advice of the Council of State and the approval of Parliament. The Council operates through regional and district committees, which serve as the front line in addressing conflicts at the local level. The Council’s key activities include advocacy, conflict prevention and management, training and capacity building, and research and documentation. The Council also collaborates with other stakeholders, including security agencies, civil society organisations, and international partners, to promote peace and stability in Ghana.
Background
A1 Radio, a subsidiary of Agreed Best Communication Limited, recently partnered with the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Office (NABOCADO) to organise a peacebuilding and conflict management roundtable discussion in Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East Region. The aim of the event was to provide a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and discuss strategies for mitigating the pockets of conflict in the region.
During the roundtable discussion, the Chief Director of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence in the region and called on all stakeholders to work towards achieving this goal. The Regional Director for the Upper East Regional Commission for Civic Education, Mawuli Agbenu, also highlighted the need for continuous education and sensitization of the public on the roles they can play in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Regional Chairman for the Peace Council, Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, and the Executive Secretary of the Peace Council, Ali Anankpieng. Theophilus Abolga, the representative from NABOCADO, also attended the discussion, along with traditional leaders such as the Paramount Chief of Sirigu, Naba Roland Akwara III, and the Chief of Kotintaabig, Naba Bilheesong Langwaht. IT Expert and CEO of Norgence, Albert Naa, also participated in the event.
The peacebuilding and conflict management roundtable discussion was a collaborative effort between A1 Radio and NABOCADO, aimed at fostering peace and stability in the Upper East Region. The event was well-attended and received positive feedback from participants, who lauded the organisers for their efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence in the region.
The roundtable discussion was moderated by A1 Radio’s Mark Smith.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
