GPPAC-West Africa, Ghana chapter inaugurated in Accra

The Minister for Security, Mr Kan Dapaah has inaugurated the Ghana chapter of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflicts (GPPAC)-West Africa in Accra on Friday.

The move forms part of efforts by the government and other private organisations to collaborate and support the promotion of peace and national stability which would translate into economic development.

In his keynote address at the inauguration, the Minister for National Security, Mr Dapaah said, global partnership had contributed largely to protecting national peace and security in the country.

“The timing of this inauguration could not be more opportune for our beloved nation. Ghana, like many countries in the West African region, is facing significant challenges on multiple fronts. We are committed to preventing the spread of terrorism and violent extremism that threatens our stability and the peace of our region,” he stated.

Simultaneously, he said, the country was managing several ethnic tensions and conflicts within its borders, particularly related to land and chieftaincy disputes.

“These are complex and interconnected issues that demand our unwavering commitment to peace and stability,” he added.

He said it was important to collaborate with the private sector and other global bodies to prevent any form of conflict that would disrupt the peace and unity within the country.

“We do acknowledge that the government, acting alone, does not possess the capacity to prevent violent conflicts effectively. We must recognize that conflict prevention requires the active involvement of all sectors of society,” he said.

“In line with this understanding, Ghana's National Security strategy underscores the necessity of a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach to conflict prevention,” he added.

In adopting this comprehensive approach, he said, they realized the invaluable role that Civil Society organizations played as critical partners in the prevention of violent conflicts.

He said, the contributions of Civil Society Organisations through non-kinetic measures, such as community and stakeholder engagements, rigorous research to enhance understanding of conflict dynamics, and public sensitization efforts, complement the kinetic approaches usually adopted by the State.

“Together, these measures contribute significantly to achieving national and societal cohesion,” he stressed.

He said, they were committed to supporting and working collaboratively with GPPAC-West Africa believing that, that through collective efforts, they can contribute not only to the peace and security of Ghana but to the entire West African region.

On his part, Mr Rodger Allotey, a Deputy Executive Director of the Human Security Research Centre (HRSC-Gh) said the inauguration of the Ghana chapter was a momentous occasion that would project their activities in the country.

“With our focus on national security and providing security services to organisations to ensure national stability and prevention of violent extremism would be enhance with the new development,” he stated.

He said, it is important to remind each other of the pressing need for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

“The world is facing many challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, and political instability. These challenges can lead to conflict and violence, which can have devastating consequences for individuals, communities, and entire nations,” he said.

“But we know that conflict prevention and peacebuilding are possible. We have seen it happen in many places around the world, where local peacebuilders have worked tirelessly to prevent violence and build peace. GPPAC is committed to supporting these efforts and to amplifying the voices of local peacebuilders,” he stressed.

“Let us remember that we are all part of a global community. We all have a role to play in preventing conflict and building peace. Let us work together to create a more peaceful and just world for all,” he said.