Western region: The Western Regional Office of the National Peace Council (NPC) is actively engaging with traditional authorities and councils to fortify partnerships and explore collaborative avenues for conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution within the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative aims to pinpoint areas for joint peacebuilding efforts in traditional areas and to maintain dialogue and cooperation for peace and development in the Western Region. Mr. Stephen Sarfo Amoah, Acting Regional Executive Secretary of the NPC, emphasized the use of peace education and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in daily operations to enhance conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
He stressed the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration with traditional authorities to identify early warning signs and refer disputes to the Council before escalation. 'We are ready to receive any complaints and adopt the appropriate conflict prevention tools to ensure that our societies are safer.our doors are always open, come to the Regional office anytime to lodge any early warning signals,' he stated.
Alhaji Elias Yusuf Kofi Gyampson, an Eminent Member of the Council, highlighted the critical role of traditional authorities in maintaining peace and social order in Ghana, which informed the Peace Council's engagement with traditional councils. He noted the economic opportunities in the region and the necessity of addressing challenges such as land disputes, illegal mining, and youth unemployment through strong partnerships between the NPC and traditional authorities.
He expressed gratitude to the traditional councils for their warm reception and hoped for continued peace within their jurisdictions. Nana Kwamina Wienu III, Chief of Yabiw-Shama and Acting President of the Shama Traditional Council, commended the Council for the initiative and observed that earlier resistance to the Peace Council's efforts in Shama arose from a limited understanding of its mandate among local authorities.
'This is why you need to engage more and more for better appreciation of your role in nation building,' he said, assuring the Council of the Traditional Council's commitment to peace and hoping for periodic engagements.
At the Western Nzema Traditional Council, Abusua Kpanyinli Yemi emphasized truthfulness as essential to fostering peace, advocating for its inclusion in public education messages. He also called for adequate support and resources for the Peace Council to effectively carry out its mandate across the region.
Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III praised the Council for its visits to traditional councils, expressing confidence that with proper measures and commitment, peace would prevail. He encouraged the Council to deepen its engagement with paramountcies and communities.
In the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Blay IX described the visit as timely and important due to conflicts affecting some paramountcies. He noted that these conflicts undermine investor confidence and stressed the need for stakeholders to champion peace for regional and national benefits. Awulae Blay thanked the Council for its visit and urged intensified engagements with traditional authorities to build stronger collaboration and synergy in maintaining peace.