Ghana marks International Day of Peace with the launch of the “I Pledge for Peace” campaign.

In a remarkable display of commitment to peace and in commemoration of the International Day of Peace, the United Nations, Ghana in collaboration with the National Peace Council (NPC), have launched the “I Pledge for Peace” campaign, a year-long campaign that seeks to strengthen messaging around peaceful elections in 2024 and create awareness of the need for tolerance, respect and mutual coexistence.  With the nation poised for a pivotal election season in the not too future, the “I Pledge for Peace” campaign promises to bring together Ghanaians from all walks of life to make a strong commitment to uphold peace in the country before, during and after the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The “I Pledge for Peace” campaign seamlessly aligns with the theme for the International Day of Peace - Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals which is a call to action that recognizes individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.

Speaking at the event held in Accra, a Board Member of the NPC, Professor Susubiribi Krobea Asante, touched on the crucial role of the NPC in Ghana on conflict prevention, management, and resolution. “It must be said that building sustainable peace is a process which requires the efforts of both state and non-state actors and a daily renewal of the commitment to peace and love for our common humanity” he emphasized.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani acknowledged peace as the foundation upon which prosperity and progress are built and urged Ghana to commit to maintaining its peaceful reputation, especially in the lead-up to elections. “We, therefore, stand ready to continue to collaborate and support the country-level, regional, and international engagement to address the perception of inequality and impartiality, promote tolerance and inclusion, dialogue, and conflict prevention across the fringes of the Ghanaian society,” he stated.

Representing the Ministry of Interior was the Chief Director, Mrs. Adelaide Anno-Kumi who reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to supporting the UN in Ghana and NPC on the peace campaign initiative, and many other strategic initiatives in promoting peace in Ghana and the Sub-region. “We need to put our shoulders to the wheel and commit to it. We need to walk the talk and not just talk,” she said.

The yearlong “I Pledge for Peace” campaign will encompass a wide range of activities and initiatives designed to engage communities, schools, and political systems across Ghana. From peace dialogues to a national peace walk, the campaign aims to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility among Ghanaians, aiming to reach some one million people.

The day was filled with the highlights of the “I Pledge for Peace” campaign, the unveiling of the “I Pledge for Peace” logo, and the award ceremony for the winners of the logo contest. 17-year-old Kelvin Essuman of Bishop Herman College was adjudged the winner of the logo competition. His logo will feature on all communications products designed and intended for the campaign.