The Bono Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council (NPC), Alhaji Suallah Abdallah Quandah, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to be vigilant and look out for early warnings on trouble spots in their respective areas, particularly as the 2024 general election approaches.

He also advised them to be cautious when applying resources, disseminating information, managing infrastructure development, and promoting service delivery while ensuring peace and security in their localities.

"While chief executives must keep themselves informed and maintain an open mind, timely action is essential, and therefore, I expect you to take warning signals seriously.

"It will require you to exercise accurate judgment in identifying the real or false alarms," Alhaji Quandah said.

He explained that increased transparency and cooperation will enable the production of more accurate and timely conflict forecasts that can guide policy and save lives, hence the need for the chief executives to be more proactive in dealing with the early warning signs.

He stated that according to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), nearly 1,000,000 people were killed due to political violence between 2010 and 2020, and many more have been injured or forced to flee their homes.

He urged the chief executives to maintain good relationships with all key players, including Members of Parliament in their respective jurisdictions and always show courtesy, effective communication and a willingness to work to develop the area.

''I believe that if you showcase goodwill, it indicates good intentions and is a first step in ensuring collaboration.

 This will encourage people to provide information on early warning signs for further action,'' Alhaji Quandah added.

He said it is also necessary that the assemblies recognise that they cannot achieve development by themselves, adding, "Therefore,  identify and engage potential partners from the private, public and non-governmental sectors".

He said as leaders of the local government system, the chief executives are the focus of development and security initiatives in their respective areas.

"To succeed, you should exhibit effectiveness and efficiency in your work, promoting participation, accountability, openness, transparency, inclusiveness and proper delivery of services.

Always remember the Local Government Service's logo, which is Decentralisation, Democracy and Development, and try to be practical ambassadors of this logo,” Alhaji Quandah said.

He stressed that it is incumbent on the chief executives to explore more effective participatory methods and strategies to promote institutional links with some development partners such as churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups.