Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Asante, former Chairman of the National Peace Council, has emphasized that coercive power alone cannot guarantee sustainable peace in Ghana. He made this statement at a ceremony in Kumasi to mark World Peace Day, which had the theme: "Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere." The event took place on September 23, 2026. According to him, democratic legitimacy depends on citizens experiencing public institutions as lawful, fair, accountable, and responsive.
The Most Rev. Prof. Asante noted that the state has a constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law, and create an environment in which political competition can take place peacefully. He stressed that sustainable democratic peace requires impartial and credible public institutions, transparent and accountable governance, effective electoral administration, protection of political participation, and enforcement of laws against electoral and political violence. These institutions and processes are crucial for ensuring that peace is sustainable.
The former National Peace Council Chairman also called for effective mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes. He observed that Ghana has institutions established to promote peace but does not always provide adequate support for them to function effectively. He cited budgetary allocations to institutions responsible for security and peacebuilding as an indication of the level of national commitment to peace. This, he believes, is a critical aspect of ensuring sustainable peace.
Most Rev. Prof. Asante urged religious communities to speak truth to power while modeling peace, justice, and accountability within their own structures. He also emphasized the need for the Police Service to operate as a non-partisan institution, performing its duties in accordance with the Constitution, without undue political interference. According to him, this is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the country.
The Most Rev. Prof. Asante further suggested that there is a need to examine aspects of the constitutional arrangements governing appointments to public institutions to strengthen their independence and impartiality. He believes that this will help ensure that public institutions are credible and accountable, which is critical for sustainable peace. This examination is necessary to prevent partisan abuse and ensure that institutions exercise authority fairly.
Most Rev. Prof. Asante emphasized that sustainable peace should not be understood merely as maintaining calm during elections but as cultivating a democratic culture in which citizens can disagree without hatred, political parties can compete without violence, and institutions can exercise authority without partisan abuse. He believes that this culture of peace is essential for Ghana's long-term stability and development.
The World Peace Day ceremony in Kumasi was an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the state of peace in Ghana and the role that various institutions can play in promoting sustainable peace. The event provided a platform for discussions on how to strengthen public institutions and promote a culture of peace. The Most Rev. Prof. Asante's remarks underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach to achieving sustainable peace in Ghana.
Key points
- Coercive power alone cannot guarantee sustainable peace in Ghana.
- Sustainable democratic peace requires impartial and credible public institutions, transparent and accountable governance, and effective electoral administration.
- The Police Service should operate as a non-partisan institution, free from undue political interference.
