By Ellen Agbavor
The United Nations (UN), Eminent Peace Ambassador and Country Director of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) Ambassador Dr. Samuel Ben, has revealed that despite the high cost involved in maintaining peace in Ghana , people continue to lose interest in the peace building process.
He said even though peace is expensive, studies have shown that conflict is more expensive and therefore called on stakeholders to invest towards the peace building process.
“Studies and Comparisons have revealed that Peace is expensive but conflict resolution is more expensive. A lot of things get destroyed when conflicts occur. So it’s very expensive to restore a whole country when conflicts occur. Most people are fully focused on winning elections especially politicians”, every businessman man who is very much concerned about his assets should be ready to invest in peace building and peace managing process to safeguard their assets and investment.”
“As I speak with you all our peace activities and campaigns have come to a halt because companies and institutions have failed to sponsor or support us. As a result, some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have aligned with government for financial support which should not be the case. When u align with government, there is this level of influence that come to weigh on your sense of neutrality “.
The Ambassador said this in an interview to disclose the challenges peace activist encounter and also the perception of Ghanaians about peace. He indicated that “people always say Ghanaians are peace loving people, God loves Ghana but they forget that there are peace advocates and activist working on the grounds to promote peace and creating awareness across the country.
“In protecting ones assets, you invest, sponsor, support and create opportunities for peace activists to promote peace at all times. “There is no plan activities in the country as I speak”. “We should not lose a single soul because of conflicts during elections. It is against this background that we need to intensify the campaign for peace at all levels.
The General Overseer said “the National Peace Council doesn’t have budget for itself let alone have some for other peace campaigns, meanwhile the awareness creation on peace and peace management is a huge task and a shared responsibility.” He therefore urged Ghanaians to develop interest in peace management and raising awareness.
The National Peace Council cannot do all the work alone and that is why they have to bring on board persons from all political parties and peace advocates to help do the work and not only few persons from religious bodies. Peace units should also be created within the Police Service and other security services with the aim of using them to promote peace and raising awareness across the country.
