Across the West African sub-region, Ghana is widely regarded as an oasis of peace. The 2021 Global Peace Index (GPI) ranked the country as the second most peaceful in Sub-Saharan Africa. This climate of peace has persisted despite a history of instability in the sub-region. It is largely attributable to the existence of a comprehensive national infrastructure for peace, which has strengthened Ghana’s resilience to shocks and vulnerabilities while promoting inter-party, inter-religious, inter-ethnic and inter-generational social cohesion (UNDP, 2022).
Ghana’s national peace architecture is built on seven key pillars, namely; law and order maintained by the National Security Council; rule of law enforced by the Judiciary; traditional authority and alternative justice by the National House of Chiefs; oversight and accountability by Parliament alongside the independent national human rights body (CHRAJ); electoral oversight and civic education by the independent Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education, respectively; watchdog and advocacy functions performed by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs); and mediation and peace advocacy led by the National Peace Council in collaboration with CSOs (Awinador-Kanyirige, 2014). Additionally, Ghana’s peace infrastructure is reinforced by its commitment to implementing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Treaties of 1993 and 1999 (UNDP, 2022).
Notwithstanding Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable and democratic nations, the country has experienced significant episodes of violent inter-community conflict. Between 1990 and 2002, fourteen (14) violent clashes occurred between ethnic groups. Many of these conflicts were concentrated in the Northern Region, where perceptions of economic and political marginalisation persist relative to the more affluent southern regions. A notable example is the Konkomba-Nanumba conflict of 1994 – 1995, which resulted in approximately 5000 fatalities (Tsikata & Seini, 2004).
In response to these conflicts, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) played a pivotal role in peacebuilding efforts. In 1994, an “Inter-NGO Consortium” was formed to facilitate dialogue and negotiation processes that successfully restored peace in several affected areas. This approach differed markedly from that of the government, which relied heavily on force to suppress violence, established a commission of inquiry to assign blame, and often failed to implement recommended sanctions due to political considerations. In contrast, CSOs focused on uncovering the root causes of conflict and promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, collaborative problem-solving, and reconciliation (Kpormasi, 2013).
Another violent conflict erupted in 2002 in the Dagbon Kingdom, leading to the murder of the king of Dagbon and forty (40) others. This conflict stemmed from a protracted dispute between the Abudu and Andani royal gates over succession to the skin. Its intensity was heightened by the risk of regional destabilisation and the potential for politicisation, especially with the 2004 general elections approaching. The two major political parties were perceived to align with opposing factions: the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with the Abudus and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with the Andanis (Tonah, 2012, p. 8).
In March 2003, the government declared a state of emergency in the region. Recognising the effectiveness of civil society approaches, it sought support from the United Nations Country Office in Accra. Following an assessment mission, a Peace and Governance Advisor was appointed, who collaborated with both government and CSOs to facilitate dialogue and negotiation. This intervention helped de-escalate tensions and addressed underlying issues contributing to the conflict (UNDP, 1997).
Building on the success of this intervention, the government, with support from the United Nations, initiated the establishment of a national mechanism for conflict prevention, management and resolution. The aim was to institutionalise the effective dialogue-based approach previously employed. This mechanism comprised councils at the national, regional and district levels, made up of representatives from recognised groups and highly esteemed individuals. Their mandate was to facilitate dialogue, joint problem-solving, and reconciliation processes within their jurisdictions. These councils were supported by professional Peace Promotion Officers and coordinated through a Peace Building Support Unit within the Ministry of the Interior (Kpormasi, 2013).
The National Peace Council
The Regional Peace Advisory Councils were later formalised into the National Peace Council (NPC) through an Act of Parliament assented to on 16th May 2011. The National Peace Council is an independent statutory body established under the National Peace Council Act of 2011 (Act 818) to strengthen Ghana’s peace infrastructure (Amoh, 2024). Its mandate, as outlined in Section 2 of the NPC Act, is “to facilitate and develop mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, resolution, and to build sustainable peace in the country.” Central to its function is the use of mediation and dialogue in addressing conflicts nationwide.
Governing Board of the NPC
The National Peace Council is governed by a thirteen-member Board of eminent persons nominated from recognised national groupings and appointed by the President. These individuals are selected based on their credibility, integrity, neutrality, and public respect, ensuring their ability to lead peace processes effectively (Amoh, 2024). Notably, eight of the thirteen eminent members are drawn from faith-based organisations – four from Christian denominational groupings, three from Islamic denominational groupings, and one representing African Traditional Religion. The religious representatives constitute 61.5% of the Governing Board. This composition reflects the high level of trust placed in religious leaders as neutral and nonpartisan actors in peacebuilding.
Regional and District Peace Councils
The NPC operates through a three-tier structure comprising national, regional and district levels. This arrangement ensures inclusiveness and broad stakeholder participation in peacebuilding processes across the country (Kendie & Osei-Kufour, 2016, as cited in Amoh, 2024). Members of the Regional and District Peace Councils are appointed by the Governing Board in consultation with Regional Coordinating Councils and District Assemblies, respectively. Appointments are typically for four-year terms, with the possibility of renewal subject to approval by nominating bodies.
Management and Administration of the NPC
The day-to-day administration of the National Peace Council is overseen by an Executive Secretary appointed by the President. At the sub-national level, Regional and District Executive Secretaries are appointed by the President to implement council decisions and coordinate activities within their respective jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Ghana’s National Peace Council represents the first official national-level peacebuilding programme in Africa (Kpormasi, 2013). Its establishment aligns with the resolution adopted by African leaders at the First Standing Conference on Stability, Security, and Development in Africa held in Durban, South Africa, in 2002, which encouraged the creation of national frameworks for conflict prevention, management, and resolution (Collier & Vicente, 2012, as cited in Amoh, 2024). Ghana’s model stands out as a compelling example of a localised peacebuilding system that significantly contributes to national stability and security.
Conceptually, there is a clear distinction between the roles of the Peace Councils and formal governance institutions. While governance structures exercise authority and enforcement, Peace Councils focus on facilitating dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. They do not possess adjudicatory powers or authority to override formal institutions. Nonetheless, some confusion persists regarding these roles, underscoring the need for clearer delineation. Overall, Ghana’s peace architecture, as currently structured, represents a well-designed and effective system, capable of ensuring decades of peace, stability, and security in the country.
Isaac Prince Glorier
Peacebuilding Professional
[email protected]
REFERENCES
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