President John Dramani Mahama has praised the National Peace Council for its pivotal role in safeguarding Ghana’s stability and democratic resilience, particularly before, during, and after elections.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the post-election evaluation conference in Koforidua on Friday, July 4, President Mahama said the Council’s continued efforts in fostering dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence remain essential to national development.
“In this spirit, during the recent inauguration of the new governing board of the National Peace Council, I emphasised the continuing importance of their role in safeguarding Ghana’s peace before, during and after elections,” he stated.
He said the Peace Council’s interventions, together with support from civil society, have contributed to strengthening conflict prevention mechanisms and building public trust in electoral and justice institutions.
“The government, in collaboration with the National Peace Council and civil society, has implemented a range of interventions to deepen national consensus, strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms, and foster public trust in the institutions that underpin our democracy,” he said.
President Mahama commended the Council’s public education efforts following the passage of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), and its work in mobilising youth, religious, and civil actors in support of peaceful elections.
While acknowledging Ghana’s position as the most peaceful country in West Africa, he cautioned that recent declines in the Global Peace Index rankings were a “wake-up call” and a reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive peacebuilding.
He called for greater efforts to resolve electoral grievances, reduce political toxicity, and uphold the rule of law. “Violence still thrives when grievances are left unresolved, when institutions are perceived to be biased, and when political discourse becomes toxic. We must confront these challenges boldly,” he said.
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President Mahama urged the Peace Council and all stakeholders to ensure that recommendations from the conference are formally submitted to the appropriate institutions for consideration, including the Constitutional Review Committee.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, democratic reform and dialogue, and pledged to do everything in his power to ensure the implementation of recommendations from the National Constitutional Review Committee.
“Let this dialogue be a turning point, a new chapter of healing, cooperation, and shared purpose,” he concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
