There seems to be a fondness by individuals in leadership and authority in Ghana to preach peace, without
emphasizing on its necessary and in our opinion superlative corollaries, such as truthfulness, impartiality,
lawfulness, propriety, sobriety and above all, justice.
It has been said that peace without justice is only a seeming peace, and where injustice is entrenched, we cannot
have any real, lasting peace, with enduring qualities.
In Ghana, however, one often hears leadership talking up peace, without the qualification that it is only by engaging
in lawful acts with an eye for truth and justice that would ensure the lasting peace. Real and durable peace is built
and earned. It is built on qualities such as truthfulness, impartiality, lawfulness, propriety, sobriety and above all,
justice. Without these pillars, peace is often threatened, and it is these qualities that need to be pursued with all
hunger and ambition. But in Ghana, this is a chorus that is often forgotten. What is preached by leadership, is
‘peace’.
The latest person to join the long line of ‘peace ambassadors’ in Ghana, is Mr Ramses Joseph Cleland, the Chief
Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. According to him, citizens and leaders must
prioritize peace as Ghana nears the 2024 elections on December 7.
During an address after a peace walk to sensitise the public on the need to preserve peace before, during and after
elections, Mr Cleland stressed the need for the country to resolve above everything else, to protect lives, property,
and progress.
The Chief Director said this could be down by making a concerted effort to promote peace.
“We recognise that peace is a non-negotiable commodity that we ought to collectively prioritise in these crucial
times,” he said.
The event was held on the theme: “Working together towards Peace and Sustainable Development in Ghana for
present and Future generations” also marked the 79th anniversary of the United Nations (UN).
The Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a participant in the peace walk, Dr
Wilfred Ochan, speaking on behalf of Mr Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, said the walk will
go beyond boosting the health of participants to remind Ghanaians of how ensuring a peaceful country was a
collective responsibility.
“Today’s walk was a powerful reminder that peace is a shared responsibility. Each step we took together echoed our
dedication to building a more harmonious society,” he said.
The Daily Searchlight congratulates the ‘peace ambassadors’ but must hasten to add that all the efforts would
amount to naught, if in the same breathe, we do not edge upon the institutions that would be at the centre of the
elections the qualities of truthfulness, impartiality, lawfulness, justice, propriety and sobriety.
Peace is a final commodity, and every living thing on this planet treasures it. However, the fact remains that peace is
a construct, made up of many component parts. In our opinion, it is these many parts and pillars that must be
propped up and strengthened to deliver, so that peace can be upheld.
(Editorial of the Daily Searchlight of 21 st October, 2024).
