STAR Ghana Foundation Hosts Crucial Conference on Peace and Security in Northern Ghana.

Tamale: Representatives from Regional Houses of Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Regional Peace Councils, civil society organisations, and security agencies gathered in Tamale for a significant conference focused on sustainable peace in northern Ghana. The event, organised by STAR Ghana Foundation with support from the United Nations Development Programme and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, aimed to address peacekeeping measures before, during, and after the 2024 General Election.According to Ghana News Agency, the conference, themed 'Securing Peace in Northern Ghana, Before, During and After the 2024 General Election: The Role of Chiefs and Queen Mothers', saw the participation of notable traditional leaders such as Kologo Naba Clifford Tandigrewonkugre Asobayire (V), Mozuu-Rana Abdulai Scott Mahami, Hajia Dr Kasanwurche Azara Bukari, Sagnar-Naa Yakubu Abdulai, and Poag-Naaba Kubura Seidu Abdul-Kaderi. The event aimed to foster dialogue and develop a communique and roadmap for peaceful coexistence i n the region.The communique, articulated by Naa Dr Mahama Yakubu, Chief of Zangbalun in the Kumbungu District, reiterated the commitment of traditional leaders to peace as a foundation for development. It highlighted the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, political parties, the National Commission for Civic Education, and traditional authorities, to ensure peaceful and successful elections.The document called for adequate logistical support for security agencies and the Electoral Commission to perform their duties effectively. It stressed the importance of professionalism and fairness from security agencies, urging them to decisively address any misconduct regardless of political affiliations.The communique also emphasized the role of the media in adhering to journalistic ethics, cautioning against inflammatory reporting that could incite violence. Political parties were urged to exercise caution in their rhetoric, avoiding personal attacks, insults, and v igilantism, especially as the election date approaches.Furthermore, it appealed to citizens to resist being manipulated by politicians to incite violence, reminding them that elections are about making choices peacefully and maintaining respect for one another. The communique urged voters to protect their votes through established procedures rather than resorting to violence.Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR Ghana Foundation, highlighted the conference's role in strengthening partnerships among traditional leaders, women groups, and civil society organisations to bolster peacebuilding efforts. He encouraged media to address issues like illegal mining, which could destabilise the region, and urged traditional authorities to maintain neutrality and refrain from political endorsements.Mr David Angaamba, Principal Programmes Manager of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, called on traditional authorities to leverage their social capital to create platforms for political education and promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.