Accra: Dr David Esinu Yao Normanyo, the Volta Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council (NPC), has called for the development of a localised Ghana Peace Index (GPI-G) to enhance peacebuilding efforts and promote national development. The proposed index aims to adapt the Global Peace Index (GPI) framework to assess peace and stability within Ghana at a more granular level.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Normanyo highlighted the importance of the GPI-G during his keynote address at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day celebration held at the Volta Press Centre in Ho. He stressed that a localised peace index would provide a structured and evidence-based approach to evaluating peace across the country, particularly focusing on sub-national dynamics.
Dr Normanyo explained that the GPI-G would serve as a multi-dimensional diagnostic tool for national stability, moving beyond aggregated statistics to offer a detailed analysis of Ghana's internal security dynamics. While the Global Peace Index primarily addresses macro-level indicators like militarisation, the Ghana Peace Index would focus on local drivers of instability, such as chieftaincy, land, and ethnic disputes.
A key component of the GPI-G would be the monitoring of internal violence, including conflict-related fatalities and the proliferation of illicit small arms. It would also measure societal safety indicators like violent crimes, demonstrations, and election-related tensions. Dr Normanyo noted that state intervention would act as a proxy for peace fragility, with the index assessing 'Reactive Peace' through curfews and security force deployments.
The Ghana Peace Index would adhere to the methodological standards of the Institute for Economics and Peace, ensuring data normalisation and the application of weighted variables for accurate regional comparisons. This rigorous framework would help identify fragile areas, guiding proactive interventions by the National Peace Council and law enforcement agencies.
Dr Normanyo, who also serves as the Assemblyman for the Dzita Electoral Area, emphasised the need for a localised benchmark to facilitate data-driven policy interventions and strengthen early-warning mechanisms. He urged the media to practice peace journalism and play a pivotal role in maintaining national consciousness.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Global Peace Index ranked Ghana 61st globally, with a score of 1.898, making it the seventh most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, the region experienced a slight decline in peacefulness, highlighting the need for continued vigilance. Ghana's involvement in international peacekeeping operations also underscores its integration with global security dynamics.
Dr Normanyo, with over 29 years of experience in public administration and peacebuilding, is a fellow of The Hague Academy for Local Governance and a Global Peace Index Ambassador for the Institute for Economics and Peace.