The objective of the Peace Council is to facilitate and develop mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution and to build sustainable peace in the country.
Speaking at the inaugural session, the Eminent Board Member Ms Adjowa Opare who doubles as a gender consultant said they are grateful for the support being offered to the eastern regional office of the National peace council for their endless support since its inception in 2013.
In like manner, they are greatly indebted to various institutions for which the regional peace council members are drawn to support nominating their members to the council.
In attendance were The catholic bishop conference, Christian council, Ahmadiyyah Muslim mission, Ghana Pentecostal councils, Tijaniyya Muslim group, traditional religious groups, traditional councils, Alsunnah Muslim group etc.
She said Ghana has been blessed to be the oasis of relative peace and harmony across the globe because countries around us don’t have the peace we are enjoying but in spite of that, Ghana faces perennial conflicts such as land litigations, chieftaincy conflict with respect to mineral resources and many others.
To avoid such happenings, act 818 of the peace council was established in 2011 by an act of parliament whose core mandate is to facilitate and develop mechanisms for conflict prevention, management resolution and to build sustainable peace in the country.
In the attainment of building sustainable peace in Ghana, she revealed that the eastern regional peace council expected to offer advice to the regional coordinating council (RCC) and regional security council (REGSEC) in relation to conflict prevention, management, resolutions and building sustainable peace in Ghana. The council must also work on the mediation of conflicts which are likely to erupt into violence. It also initiates support training and capacity-building programs for relevant stakeholders in the eastern region.
She said, violent extremism and chieftaincy disputes, and Fulani herdsmen are one of the challenges “we are facing in the eastern region.”
The council must look out for how to tackle issues on it to avoid escalating violence in the region.
The prevention and reduction of these conflicts promote peace and security which enhance economic development and the quality of life of the citizenry.
Ms Adjowa Opare charged the newly-appointed council to show a lot of commitment and dedication to the work of the council. She said the work of the peace council is an honorary work as in serving in church and mosque.
She appealed to the government to support them in enhancing the peace and stability we are enjoying in the country.
Ms Adjowa Opare charged also the media to be sensitive in their reportage on conflict issues.
Eastern Regional Minister
The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong said the Peace Council is known to be the mother of sustainable peacebuilding in the country.
He said the peace council advocacy work has helped the country to maintain peace and harmony in the region despite little conflicts.
The minister voiced that their capacity-building training and education of peace in schools and public spaces has improved since the council’s inception.
He commend the peace council for their role in controlling and maintaining chieftaincy issues that rose up recently at AkwamuFie at Akosombo in the eastern region.
Mr Acheampong said Ghana is touted as a beacon of peace and democracy in Africa so “each and everyone needs to work hard for us to continuously enjoy the peace we have already.”
He encouraged the council to discharge their functions effectively and efficiently to help in maintaining peace and harmony in the region and Ghana as a whole.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com
