President John Dramani Mahama has charged the newly reconstituted National Peace Council to focus on resolving emerging conflicts and strengthening democratic institutions as Ghana faces rising security challenges.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 13-member governing board on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, President Mahama highlighted the Council’s critical role in maintaining national stability, urging it to tackle flashpoints like the Bawku chieftaincy crisis and deepen collaboration with key state bodies.
“Violence in Bawku has claimed numerous lives and displaced several households. Chieftaincy conflicts remain a serious threat to our peace and must be addressed if Ghana is to maintain its image as an oasis of stability in the sub-region,” Mahama stressed.
The President emphasized the importance of proactive conflict resolution, calling on the Council to work closely with the Electoral Commission, the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), as well as traditional and religious leaders to prevent political tensions from escalating into violence.
“The reconstituted Council must deepen its collaboration with these institutions. Pre-election dialogue platforms must become institutionalized to prevent disputes and promote understanding,” Mahama added, reflecting his administration’s broader push to safeguard Ghana’s democratic gains.
Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, also addressed the gathering, revealing that the Council is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the 2024 general elections. He noted that the aim is to identify gaps, strengthen national resilience, and develop strategies to prevent future conflicts.
Additionally, the minister announced that Ghana is set to chair and host the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC), underscoring the country’s commitment to global peacebuilding and human rights.
The newly reconstituted Council, chaired by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fianu, SVD, includes a diverse mix of religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society representatives, reflecting a broad-based approach to peacebuilding.
Members of the Reconstituted National Peace Council:
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fianu, SVD – Chairman
Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, Ph.D.
Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye
Bishop Dr. Victor Osei
Alhaji Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih
Sheik Salman Mohammed Alhassan
Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu
Numo Blafo Akotia Omaɛtu III
Linda Teye
Dr. Abubakar Umar Alhassan
Georgette Francois
Susan Aryeetey
Nana Effah-Apenteng
As the Council begins its work, the pressure is on to address not just local disputes, but also broader national security concerns, ensuring that Ghana continues to stand as a beacon of peace in a turbulent region.
