By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, Sept. 22, GNA – The Ashanti Regional Peace Council has called for deliberate and sustained investment in peace building, saying, peaceful coexistence requires continuous commitment and the active participation of all sections of society.
Dr Harriet Takyi, the Chairperson of the Council, said peace should not be regarded as a static condition that could be achieved once and maintained without effort, but rather, as an ongoing process requiring resources, institutional capacity and inclusive frameworks.
She said this at a ceremony in Kumasi to mark the 2026 World Peace Day on the theme: “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.”
The event brought together traditional leaders, Christian and Muslim leaders, youth and women groups, students, civil society organisations and representatives of state institutions to reflect on the importance of peace, dialogue and non-violence to national development.
Dr Takyi said the theme was both a reminder and an instruction to stakeholders to recognise their responsibilities in building and sustaining peace in communities and the country.
“Genuine peace requires that we allocate our resources, use institutional capabilities and design inclusive frameworks that extend across all parts of our society,” she said.
She said investing in peace required more than statements of intent, adding that, it demanded deliberate action to address systemic barriers and ensure the meaningful inclusion of all groups in peace building processes.
Dr. Takyi said the nature of investment in peace must change, particularly in responding to conflicts and tensions in communities.
She called on government institutions, traditional authorities, religious bodies, civil society organisations, development partners, the media, educational institutions and the private sector to work together to strengthen peace building efforts.
The Chairperson also urged individuals and communities to recognise their roles in promoting peaceful coexistence and contributing to the stability and development of the Ashanti Region and Ghana.
Dr Takyi expressed appreciation to all participants for joining the Council to commemorate the occasion and contribute to discussions on peace, non-violence, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
She urged all stakeholders to translate their commitment to peace into practical actions in their respective institutions and communities.
“Let us invest in peace in our region, in our communities and in Ghana,” she said.
The various stakeholders at the ceremony also took turns to emphasise the need for dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as essential conditions for sustainable national development.
Representatives of the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Ghana Police Service underscored the importance of collective responsibility in preventing conflicts and maintaining peace.
They called for greater collaboration among traditional and religious authorities, state institutions, civil society organisations, the youth and other stakeholders to address sources of tension and promote peaceful resolution of disputes.
The observance formed part of global activities marking World Peace Day, providing an opportunity for stakeholders in the Ashanti Region to reflect on the value of peace and the responsibilities required to preserve it.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim