Stories and facts
The National Peace Council of Ghana (NPC) is an independent statutory institution established by Act 818 of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, known as The National Peace Council Act, 2011. The council’s primary function is to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts and to build sustainable peace within the country.
Since becoming operational in 2011, the NPC has replaced the previous peace strategy that involved National, Regional, and District Security Councils, which had established Regional Peace Advisory Councils (RPACs) and District Peace Advisory Councils (DPACs).
At the national level, the NPC is governed by a Board of thirteen eminent persons appointed by the President for a four-year term, with provisions for resignation or revocation of membership. The Executive Secretary, also appointed by the President, is responsible for the council's day-to-day administration.
Regionally and locally, the NPC includes Regional and District Peace Councils appointed by the Board in consultation with the Regional Coordinating Council and the District Assembly, respectively. Each level also has Executive Secretaries appointed by the President.
The NPC's functions include harmonizing conflict prevention efforts, strengthening capacities for conflict management, increasing awareness on non-violent conflict resolution, facilitating amicable conflict resolution, promoting values of diversity and tolerance, coordinating the work of regional and district councils, implementing conflict resolution agreements, and advising the government on actions to promote trust among groups.
The 13 members of the NPC Board are: Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salihi, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, Prof. Nana SKB Asante, Numo Blafo Akotia Omaetu III, Sheikh Salman Mohammed Alhassan, Mrs. Joana Adzoa Opare, Rt. Rev. Col. John Kwamina Otoo (Rtd), Mrs. Magdalene Awinyeliya Kannae, and Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.
The NPC envisions a country where people can engage in their lawful activities confidently, assured that institutions and mechanisms for mediating differences are effective and responsive. Its mission is to promote cooperation among stakeholders in peacebuilding and institutionalize conflict response processes to foster conflict transformation, social, political, and religious reconciliation, and transformative dialogues.
The council’s objective is to develop mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution, ultimately building sustainable peace in Ghana.
