The newly reconstituted National Peace Council, chaired by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fianu, SVD, has been charged with intensifying efforts to build public trust and maintain Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of peace and stability in the sub-region.
President John Dramani Mahama made the call during the inauguration of the 13-member governing board on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
The council members include 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, and Susan Aryeetey, with Nana Effah-Apenteng also part of the team.
“Ghanaians are calling on you to rise above partisanship, resist manipulation and become the custodian of our peace and the nation’s conscience,” President Mahama stated.
He emphasized the Council’s critical role in safeguarding national unity and urged members to remain impartial and resilient in the face of political pressures.
The President also stressed the importance of collaboration with key democratic institutions.
“The re-constituted [Council] must deepen its collaboration with the Electoral Commission, the Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC) and the National Commission for Civic Education, NCCE, traditional and religious authorities. Pre-election dialogue platforms must become institutionalized,” he said.
Addressing chieftaincy conflicts, President Mahama highlighted the Bawku crisis and other regional flashpoints.
“As we speak, violence in Bawku has claimed numerous lives and displaced several households. Chieftaincy conflicts are also rife and it calls on the National Peace Council to work assiduously if we are to maintain Ghana’s image as oasis of peace in our sub-region,” he noted.
Interior Minister, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, revealed that the Council is reviewing the 2024 general elections to devise strategies for national resilience and peace. Ghana is also set to chair and host the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC), reflecting its commitment to peacebuilding and human rights.