A former chair of the National Peace Council, Most Reverend Prof Emmanuel Asante, has stated that although the council performs significant work, many people are unaware of it.

According to him, some expect the council to perform duties beyond its legal mandate.

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The Peace Council has faced criticism about its relevance and functions, especially from the main opposition party. This party has raised several issues with the Electoral Commission, particularly regarding the preparation for elections, including concerns about the provisional electoral roll and the voter registration.

Speaking on JoyNews News Desk, Prof Asante said “People are expecting the Peace Council to do things that are not within their mandate, but again, Peace Council should come open and let people know the kinds of things they do, even before elections. I am here in Kumasi, and I know the amount of work the Peace Council has done, even among chieftaincy disputes in different areas and all that. They have done a lot of work, and they are doing a lot of work.”

Prof Asante explained that the Peace Council's role is to promote peace, encourage dialogue, and bring people together.

He noted that since 2012, the Council has made significant efforts to unite parties, engage with individuals and the youth, and educate them about the importance of peace.

“And even afterwards, the vigilante things, how we were able to bring the parties together. Apart from the laws that were enacted in Parliament, bringing the parties together to commit themselves to the whole vigilante issue.”