Ghanaians urged to #PledgeforPeace as International Day of Peace is marked

 This year’s theme for the International Day of Peace, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” emphasizes the importance of cultivating peace in the minds of people through both formal and informal education across countries and generations.

To commemorate this significant day, the UN in Ghana partnered with the National Peace Council (NPC) and other stakeholders in a vibrant event featuring performances by musical bands from the various security services including the Ghana Prisons, Ghana Police and Ghana Immigration Service. Referred to as the Bands Competition of Security Agencies (BACOSA), these bands played to showcase the unifying power of music as a tool for peace. Their music was interspersed with remarks and statements from several dignitaries from the UN, NPC, Government of Ghana and Labone Secondary School.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani noted that “Ghana proudly stands as a beacon of peace and stability in West Africa, with a commendable history of democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power,” He highlighted the importance of vigilance in maintaining peace, noting that Ghana’s respect for the rule of law and human rights fortifies its role as a key player in regional democracy. Mr. Abani also underscored the vital role of education in shaping the values of youth. He called on all Ghanaians to pledge for peace before, during, and after the December elections.

The Chairman of NPC, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi said “Peace does not happen by chance; it is something that we must intentionally nurture and pass on to future generations”. Adding that, “peace is not a momentary event, but a continuous practice that must be cultivated daily, not just during election periods, but throughout every facet of our lives”.

The Deputy Commandant at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Air Commodore David Akrong, stated that “Peace is invaluable, and to sustain it, we must cultivate a mindset throughout our engagement at all levels.” He recalled the legacy of the late Kofi Annan, who championed open discussions about peace, particularly on the International Day of Peace.

There were solidarity messages from the Danish Ambassador, H.E. Tom Nørring and the South African High Commissioner H.E Grace Jeanet Mason emphasizing the importance of peace. Present at the event were members of the diplomatic corps, the security services, as well as students from Labone Senior High School.

Prior to the main event, a peace walk through the Teshie township encouraged residents to pledge for peace before, during, and after the elections, amplifying the UN’s peace campaign - #IPledgeforPeaceGh.

The Executive Secretary of NPC, Mr. George Amoh, encouraged students from Labone Senior High School, who participated in the peace walk, to be role models among their peers. “You hold the future in your hands. The actions we take today are the seeds for the future you want. Stay away from any groups that promote violence, especially as elections approach,” he advised.

The District Commander for the Ghana Police Service-Teshie Ledzokuku, DSP Isaac Kofi Biri, reinforced this message, stating, “The peace we strive for starts with each of you. You must find peace within yourselves before you can share it with others.”