Mr George Amoh, the Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council (NPC), has appealed to the federal government for relocation to a extra appropriate facility, citing safety considerations and operational challenges.
He revealed that the Council confronted a possible eviction after receiving two notices from the State Housing Company in 2023 and 2024.
Mr Amoh made the attraction on Monday throughout a familiarisation go to by Mr Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister for the Interior, to the NPC in Accra.
“As you can see for yourself, all the buildings around us have been pulled down. We received two notices last year and the year before instructing us to vacate this place to make way for the redevelopment of the enclave,” he stated in a media briefing after the Minister’s go to.
“That is the situation we find ourselves in, and we do not feel secure here.”
Mr Amoh famous that the present premises, which housed over 35 workers members, had skilled flooding on three occassions, and was unsuitable for the Council’s peace-building work.
Mr Amoh disclosed {that a} earlier eviction order, which required them to vacate by the primary quarter of 2024, was halted following an intervention by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“We complained to the former President, who came to our aid and restrained any further action towards the planned eviction. So, they couldn’t touch this place because the President intervened. We are looking for a place where we can feel secure,” he stated.
In addition to searching for relocation, Mr Amoh highlighted staffing and logistical challenges going through the NPC.
“The Peace Council has a staff strength of 87 across the country but ideally requires about 125 staff members. We have been working to gradually fill the gap over the years,” he stated, and appealed for recruitment help.
He raised considerations concerning the lack of autos for regional workplaces, including that for the reason that creation of the six new areas, the Peace Council had established workplaces there however had not obtained any authorities autos.
“Not a single vehicle has been allocated to our regional offices, which makes our work difficult, especially for our elderly council members who often need to travel for mediation and peacebuilding efforts,” he stated.
Mr Amoh stated the Ministry of Finance had accredited a warrant for the procurement of 10 autos about three years in the past, however the course of stalled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He appealed to the Interior Minister to assist tackle these challenges, assuring that any authorities help could be reciprocated with enhanced efficiency in fulfilling the Council’s mandate.
Mr Muntaka, in response, assured the Council of presidency’s dedication to addressing these challenges, together with securing a everlasting and appropriate workplace area.
“One of my prayers and hopes is that in His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s effort to reset Ghana, if by the end of the four years we don’t do anything at all in trying to help the Peace Council, we should at least be able to say that it was during his tenure that the Peace Council had a befitting building,” he stated.
The Minister emphasised the significance of sustainable funding and pledged to discover dependable sources; by means of the Government of Ghana (GoG) or non-public partnerships.
“We assure you that we’ll work very closely with you. As you can see, we have so many agencies under us, but when we chose to step out on our first day, we chose to come to the Peace Council because we know the essence of peace,” he stated.
“…. I won’t sit here and pretend that we can solve all your problems in a day, but we will work tirelessly with you to address most of the challenges confronting the Council,” he assured.
The Minister recommended the Peace Council for its dedication to peace, stability, reconciliation and nation-building.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the National Peace Council’s dedication to promoting peace and stability in Ghana. Your efforts are a testament to the power of peace and reconciliation in nation-building,” he stated.
Source: GNA