STAR-Ghana Foundation urges inclusive representation in Regional Peace Councils

STAR-Ghana Foundation has called on the government and stakeholders to prioritize gender and youth inclusion in the ongoing reconstitution of Regional Peace Councils (RPCs), stressing the need for inclusive peace building structures to foster national stability and cohesion.

It expressed concern over the gender imbalance in the newly reconstituted National Peace Council (NPC), which currently included only three women out of 13 members, representing 23 per cent of the total membership.

A statement signed by Ms Eunice Racheal Agbenyadzi, the Head of Programmes at STAR-Ghana Foundation, said the 23 per cent women representation in the NPC fell short of the 30 per cent minimum requirement set out in Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.

“The underrepresentation of women on the National Peace Council undermines Ghana’s efforts at inclusive governance and weakens the effectiveness of peace building efforts,” the statement said.

The Foundation acknowledged in the statement that it was the highest number of women appointed to the NPC since its inception under Act 818 in 2011.

It, however, pointed out that the current composition failed to meet both national and international standards, including Ghana’s commitments under the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which sought to promote women’s full participation in peace and security processes.

The statement cited global studies highlighting the value of women’s participation in peace processes, including the UN Women (2018), which stated that peace agreements were 35 per cent more likely to endure at least 15 years when women were involved in negotiations.

With the NPC currently constituting Regional Peace Councils across the country, the statement said STAR-Ghana Foundation saw that as an opportunity for the state to demonstrate its commitment to equity and inclusive governance.

The Foundation recommended that: a minimum of 30 per cent of the RPC membership be reserved for women, in line with national law and youth representation be prioritized, recognizing the demographic significance and impact of youth in both peace and conflict.

It also recommended that inclusive peace-building strategies be adopted at the regional level to reflect the diverse voices in Ghanaian society saying, “Women and youth must be part of the peace architecture if Ghana is to build sustainable peace.”

The NPC played a vital role in managing and resolving conflicts in Ghana, with its regional structures expected to enhance early warning, mediation, and conflict prevention mechanisms at the local level.