The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana and the United Nations Office for West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS) have congratulated the people of Dagbon for the achieving another milestone – restoring peace in Dagbon after decades of conflict.
This achievement demonstrated Ghana’s capacity to resolve local level conflicts by government authorities and the acclaimed national peace architecture.
A statement issued jointly by Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and Ms Gita Welch, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana, said it is a clear indication that through dialogue and non-violent means, Ghana’s well-regarded democracy in Africa can be further enhanced.
It said the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development explicitly recognizes that “we cannot eradicate poverty and sustain development without tackling conflict and insecurity.”
It said Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, specifically commits UN member States to, “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
The statement said understanding this inextricable synergy between sustaining peace and promoting development, UNDP and UNOWAS have followed closely and supported peacebuilding efforts in Ghana, including in Dagbon.
“We acknowledge and commend, for their commitment, perseverance, and tireless efforts in building peace and enhancing stability in Ghana; President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Committee of Eminent Chiefs – the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa I and Nayiri, Naa Bohogu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga,” it said.
The statement also commended past Governments and Committees, all Dagbon, key stakeholders and their well-wishers.
It said peace building was a long-term undertaking and the restoration of peace in Dagbon removes a formidable obstacle to social cohesion and local stability and offers a unique opportunity to harness the full potentials of the kingdom for the benefit of the people of Dagbon and Ghana.
It said as such, they urged stakeholders to continue the dialogue and consensus building to consolidate and sustain peace in Dagbon.
“We remain committed to facilitating continued efforts to further strengthen institutions for peace and conflict resolution and thus ensure the achievement of the SDGs,” it added.
