STAR-Ghana Foundation Urges Inclusive Representation in Reconstitution of Regional Peace Councils
The STAR-Ghana Foundation is calling on government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize gender and youth inclusion in the reconstitution of Regional Peace Councils (RPCs) across the country. This follows the recent announcement of the newly reconstituted National Peace Council (NPC), which falls short of the minimum 30% gender representation required by Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.
The National Peace Council, established under Act 818 (2011), plays a crucial role in conflict prevention, management, and resolution, contributing to sustainable peace and national security. However, STAR-Ghana Foundation expressed concern that despite its critical mandate, the Council’s composition remains unbalanced. Of the 13 newly appointed members, only three are women, representing just 23% of the total—below the statutory minimum and international expectations.
In a statement signed by Eunice Racheal Agbenyadzi, Head of Programmes, STAR-Ghana highlighted that this gender gap undermines Ghana’s commitments to global peace and security frameworks, including UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes the need for women’s meaningful participation in peace processes.
“Women have long served as mediators, negotiators, and agents of reconciliation in local peacebuilding efforts,” the statement noted. “Evidence shows that peace processes involving women are 35% more likely to last 15 years or longer. Their underrepresentation is a missed opportunity for building lasting peace.”
STAR-Ghana further noted that while gender equity has seen notable progress in other state bodies—such as the presidency and the Council of State—the Peace Council has yet to reflect this advancement. Despite the current representation being the highest since the NPC’s formation, it still falls short of national and international benchmarks.
A Call for Inclusive Action
As the NPC moves to constitute the Regional Peace Councils, STAR-Ghana is urging authorities to:
- Ensure at least 30% women’s representation in the composition of all Regional Peace Councils.
- Include youth voices, acknowledging their roles in both conflict and peacebuilding, especially given Ghana’s youthful population.
- Promote inclusive peacebuilding frameworks that reflect gender and generational perspectives to improve the Council’s overall effectiveness.
“The time to act is now. Ghana cannot afford to build peace with half its population left behind,” the Foundation asserted.
STAR-Ghana’s call adds to the growing chorus of civil society voices demanding fair and inclusive governance structures in all arms of public administration, especially those tasked with safeguarding national unity and peace.
Source : Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassan/Zaaghana.com
