Catholic Bishops, Ministers and some dignitaries with the SPI strategic plan
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Service (CRS), National Security and the Ghana Journalist Association has launched a two-day Sahel Peace Initiative (SPI) Ghana National Forum to promote national security and social cohesion.
The SPI is a comprehensive strategic framework aimed at addressing the complex and escalating threat of violent extremism radicalisation and terrorism (VERT) in the country and the sub-region.
Themed, “Building More Peaceful and Cohesive Ghana; A Collective Endeavor,” the SPI forum aims to enhance Ghana’s capacity to foster lasting peace and unity through a multifaceted approach.
The initiative also focuses on promoting governance and stability, improving security measures, fostering economic and social development and the encouragement of interreligious and cultural dialogue.
Speaking at the forum, the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, said the SPI represents a bold and proactive approach to peace building in the country and the wider sub-regions.
According to him, the Sahel Peace Initiative is a call of action for all stakeholders to come together in a unified effort to address the root causes of conflict and build a peaceful and a resilient society.
“We must foster a culture of dialogue, embrace the values of peace and prioritise the value of security to create a country where all citizens can live with the assurance of peace and security,” he said.
Mr. Kan-Dapaah emphasised that, taking steps to boost and preserve peace and stability of the country is very crucial.
“Security is everything, so we should continue to work together even if there is a political indifference for the purpose of peace and security in the country,” he urged.
President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, said “today, we have gathered here with a common purpose to foster unity, promote security and ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that is free, fair and peaceful.
“I encourage you all to shape your insights and experience openly, listen to each other with empathy and engage in constructive dialogue so that, together we can develop actionable plans that will lead to a more cohesive, security and a peaceful nation,” he encouraged.
Emphasising on the upcoming elections, he advised political party leaders to accept the December 7 election outcome graciously, avoid conflict and focus on clearly communicating their message to the public, as there will be future opportunities to lead.
By Janet Odei Amponsah