Accra: The Western North Regional Peace Council has marked this year’s International Day of Peace with a call on the people to choose peace in all situations to propel growth and development.

According to Ghana News Agency, The Most Reverend Samuel Nkuah Boateng, Chairman of the Western North Regional Peace Council, speaking during the event at Sefwi Bekwai in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality, said peace was the most powerful force for a better future and that it was within the grasp of each and every individual to prioritise it at all times.

He expressed worry that Ghana’s peacefulness had deteriorated to some extent citing the 2025 Global Peace Index where the country had fallen six places to rank 61st globally. ‘Ghana was ranked 55th in 2024 globally and 4th in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this is worrying and should be a concern and a challenge for our dear country,’ he stated.

Most Rev Boateng appealed to the government and other institutions to support the council in the discharge of their duties to help the country to continue to enjoy its relative peace.

Bayeeman Tano Kwaw Benbuin III, Paramount Chief of Aowin Traditional Area, who chaired the function reiterated that clamouring for peace required each and everyone to speak up against violence, hatred, discrimination, and inequality. He said this could be achieved by inspiring conversations about the urgent need for understanding for peaceful coexistence.

Mr Wilbert Petty Brentum, the Western North Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf stressed on the need to ensure peace at all levels stressing on fairness and justice for all. He assured that the government would continue to invest and provide the needed resources to strengthen the activities of the council to effectively execute its duties.

He urged residents to recommit themselves to this noble call for future generations to inherit a peaceful and prosperous region. The programme which was on the theme: ‘Act now for a peaceful world’, was attended by representatives from the traditional and religious leaders, the media, and students from the Wiawso Nursing Training College.