The Greater Accra Regional Branch of the National Peace Council has made an appeal to the government for support in its efforts to promote peace and tolerance within the region.

Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, a member of the National Peace Council, Greater Accra branch, has expressed concern that since 2017, none of the council's programs in Greater Accra has received financial assistance from the government.

“It is baffling to think that the seating allowances of the eminent members of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council are in arrears for over a full year,” Alhaji Khuzaima, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Tijjaniya Muslims Movement of Ghana (TMMG) and a founding member of the Christian-Muslim Forum for Dialogue and Mutual Relations, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Tema.

Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman highlighted that the nature of the National Peace Council's work often necessitated discretion in their peacebuilding activities and community initiatives. He explained that their movements were typically unannounced unless absolutely necessary.

The peace council's preferred approach was to collaborate quietly with partners until the goal of peace was achieved. He emphasized that they played a crucial role in preventing conflicts and possessed the necessary skills, experience, and manpower to ensure peaceful outcomes.

Alhaji Khuzaima used examples from various places and communities in countries like Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad to illustrate the importance of peace. In these areas, the presence of bandits, economic challenges, religious tensions, and political unrest had created conditions where even something as simple as food vending became perilous, limiting the basic freedoms and livelihoods of the affected populations.

Mr Khuzaima said, “To think of the fact that some people can’t even roam around their communities freely and safely in some parts of West Africa is just enough reason for a Ghanaian to thank God for the blessings of fresh air and the ability to purchase fresh and clean water anytime and anywhere in Ghana.”

Mr. Khuzaima emphasized the significance of recent developments in West Africa, particularly the transitions from democratic governance to military rule in some areas. He stressed that Ghanaian politicians should take heed and learn from these events, recognizing the power of the masses. The public's support or disapproval of any form of governance could potentially present a significant challenge, highlighting the importance of responsive and accountable governance in maintaining stability and democracy.

“Peace, to all of us, means the freedom to breathe, live, pray, and work for your future with dignity and respect while upholding your moral values without fear of intimidation, injustices to yourself, your family, or your loved ones,” he stated. “Peace is achieved when we ensure that the concerns and welfare of every citizen are guaranteed by the state or community," he noted.