Appointment to Ghana’s National Peace Council Chance “to learn, to build peace”: Prelate

As members of the NPC Board, the 13 representatives of religious and social groups are expected to “promote peace in Ghana at all times, the election period inclusive,” Bishop Fianu said.

“Peace is very important for all times,” he said and added referencing the upcoming December 7 polls, “Elections are tense moments so it is important to assure that all people do what is right, and refrain from provocative action.”

Looking toward the tasks ahead, Bishop Fianu said, “The Council has taken some initiatives before the inauguration of the Board and I hope we can support and sharpen these initiatives to secure peace before, during and after elections.”

Established under an Act of Parliament in 2011, the NPC aims at facilitating the development of mechanisms for cooperation among all relevant stakeholders in peace building by promoting cooperative problem solving to conflict.

Members of the Council that is decentralized at regional and district levels across the country are also charged with the responsibility of preventing, managing, and resolving conflict with an aim of building sustainable peace. 

More in Africa

Catholic Bishops Urge Sudanese to Learn “how to survive together”, to Reject Violence and Work for Peace

Read the article

During the November 10 inauguration ceremony, President Akufo-Addo said that the NPC has become a reference point in addressing conflicts, especially those related to elections in the country.

The Head of State urged the new members of the council to “continue the good work done by your predecessors and employ the most appropriate strategies that will continue to contribute to sustain the peace beyond the 2020 elections.”

“You are a distinguished and eminent group of Ghanaians who the nation expects to be up to the task,” President Akufo-Addo told the NPC Board members. 

The Board that has a four-year mandate comprises representatives from GCBC, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, National House of Chiefs, Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Ghana, NPC, National Council for Christian and Charismatic Churches, Christian Council of Ghana, Practitioners of African Traditional Religion, Tijaaniya Muslim Group, and Al-Sunnah Muslim Mission, among others.