President Mahama Inaugurates Reconstituted National Peace Council Board

ACCRA, May 7, 2025 – Ghana's President John Mahama on Wednesday inaugurated the reconstituted Governing Board of the National Peace Council, underscoring its pivotal role in maintaining national stability and urging members to operate free from political bias as the nation navigates complex internal challenges.

During the official ceremony at the presidential seat in Accra, President Mahama charged the 13-member board to serve as impartial guardians of Ghana's peace. "Ghanaians are calling on you to rise above partisanship, resist manipulation, and become the custodian of our peace and the nation’s conscience," he stated, highlighting the public expectation for the council to foster trust in its mediation processes.

The President emphasized that sustained national development is intrinsically linked to enduring peace. He noted the diverse expertise within the newly appointed board and expressed confidence in their capacity to forge effective working relationships with critical national institutions. These include the Electoral Commission, the multi-party Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), alongside traditional and religious authorities, which hold significant sway in Ghanaian society.

President Mahama also stressed the necessity of institutionalizing platforms for dialogue well ahead of electoral cycles to proactively mitigate potential conflicts and promote mutual understanding among political actors.

Addressing pressing security concerns, the President pointed to ongoing chieftaincy disputes, particularly the protracted and violent conflict in Bawku, located in Ghana's Upper East Region, as a significant threat. He urged the National Peace Council to intensify its efforts to complement existing mediation initiatives aimed at achieving lasting resolutions. "Violence in Bawku has claimed numerous lives and displaced several households. Chieftaincy conflicts are also rife, and it is incumbent upon the National Peace Council to work assiduously if we are to maintain Ghana’s image as an oasis of peace in our sub-region," President Mahama remarked. Such disputes often stem from succession disagreements or land ownership issues, posing recurring challenges to national cohesion.

In a related development underscoring Ghana's growing role in international peace efforts, Minister for the Interior Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak announced that the country is set to chair and host the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC). The minister confirmed, "In a few months, GAAMAC’s headquarters will be moved from Switzerland to Ghana." This move signals a significant recognition of Ghana's commitment to global peace and security architecture. GAAMAC is an international network that supports states in preventing mass atrocities.

The reconstituted board comprises individuals from various sectors, including religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society representatives. The members are: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fianu, SVD; 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; and Nana Effah-Apenteng, a respected traditional ruler and former diplomat. Their collective experience is anticipated to guide the council's strategic direction in conflict prevention and resolution.