'Don't wait for elections to be active' - NDC communicator blasts Peace Council

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, Wonder Madilo, has criticised the National Peace Council for its perceived inactivity outside of election periods, urging the body to take a more proactive role in addressing tribal conflicts, particularly in Nkwanta.

In an interview on Channel One TV, monitored by GhanaWeb on Monday, June 30, 2025, Madilo stressed that the Peace Council should not wait for political seasons before intervening to prevent conflicts and save lives.

"I want to call on the Peace Council. I don’t know if a new Council has been formed yet, but if the old members are still at post, I urge them to act. We shouldn’t always wait for elections before the Peace Council becomes active,” he stated.

Madilo further emphasised the need for key stakeholders to collaborate in peace-building efforts.

"The NCCE also has a key role to play, most of these tensions come from very minor disagreements, over who has the right to pour libation, land ownership disputes, shrines, or traditional leadership claims. They are deeply personal and sometimes religious in nature, but they are not beyond resolution,” he explained.

According to him, early engagement and collaboration between institutions could prevent needless loss of life.

“In November 2023, eight lives were lost, with the latest fatality, that makes 17 deaths in total. Police made over 200 arrests, with 16 people detained at the time. What has changed since then? It’s deeply worrying,” he said.

“We are calling on the police, the National Peace Council, and the NCCE to work together. These are not complex problems. People simply need to be educated. Once you explain things to them, why there’s no need to fight, peace becomes possible," he added.

Renewed tribal conflict at Nkwanta in the Oti Region has led to the death of a final year SHS student, with two other students seriously injured.

Meanwhile, eight people have been arrested in connection with the tribal violence in the area.

JKB/VPO

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