Investiture Of Ghana National Peace Council

Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas

Dakar, June 28, 2016 - On behalf of the United Nations, I am glad to extend congratulations to the members of the National Peace Council on the occasion of their Investiture on 28 June by His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.

The National Peace Council is widely regarded as one of the innovative institutions of Ghana’s democratic architecture. It has an ambitious and important mission: “to facilitate the development of mechanisms of cooperation among all stakeholders who work towards peace in Ghana; [to promote] a cooperative resolution of problems or conflicts by institutionalizing conflict resolution which will lead to the transformation of social and political conflicts, as well as to religious reconciliation and dialogue.”

This mission, and the achievements and reputation in carrying it out, has made the National Peace Council a best practice for other countries in Africa to emulate.

I would like to extend commendations to the members whose mandate has expired, for their meritorious service and tireless efforts in building peace and enhancing political and social stability in Ghana.

And I offer heartfelt congratulations to the re-elected and new members of this august body. Your membership in the National Peace Council is, without doubt, an acknowledgment of the high regard and esteem in which you are held by your compatriots. They expect that in carrying out your functions, you are motivated by none other than the supreme interests of Ghana.

As new members of the National Peace Council, you are assuming office at a crucial time for Ghana - with Presidential and legislative elections taking place later this year. There remain some divergent views over some aspects of the elections. And some concerns have been expressed about the securitization of the electoral process.

This is naturally a period of heightened political tension associated with electioneering campaigns.

I would like to congratulate Honourable Prosper Bani, Minister of Interior on his public commitments to disbanding vigilante groups and to providing security to all Presidential candidates.

As I emphasized during my visit to Accra ten days ago, the signing of the Kumasi Declaration by Presidential Candidates in 2012 contributed to the holding of peaceful elections. I encourage the National Peace Council to continue its consultations towards the signing of a Peace Accord for peaceful elections in 2016.

The United Nations, no less than the citizens of Ghana, trust that the NPC will fulfil its mandate with dedication and commitment, and put to use its Members’ expertise and wisdom to promote tolerance, issues-based campaigns and patriotism that will, once again, lead to peaceful and credible elections.

Ghana has a well-deserved reputation for its democratic institutions. The United Nations and the international community remain available to provide the NPC with support to ensure the success of its mission, to build on this legacy and to further develop this democratic culture.

For additional information, please contact Ms. Christine Evans-Klock, UN Resident Coordinator, [email protected]

Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Office for West Africa and the Sahel