Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has rallied the support of individuals, organisations and religious groups in Ghana to strive to promote tranquillity in the country.

Delivering a speech at the launch of the Peace Fund on Friday, October 15, representative of the Asantehene, Daasebere Oguakro Osei Bediako, stressed that Ghana's longstanding reputation as the peace hub in Africa and the sub-region must be maintained through collective efforts of all relevant stakeholders.

"The quest and desire for peaceful co-existence is part of humanity and has dominated, and continues to dominate international, national, and local community efforts at promoting the wellbeing of the people."

"Let me reiterate the point that the quest for peace cannot be solely achieved by a single individual or an institution but it is, rather, a shared responsibility. Let us all contribute our quota to protect, uphold and maintain the peace of the country," he urged.

Section 20 of the National Peace Council Act 2011 (Act 818) gives room for the establishment of a Peace Fund, but this has not been achieved after a decade of the passage of the Act, and 15 years of the existence of the Council.

The establishment of the Fund also seeks to supplement the government’s funding capacity to enable the NPC to realise its mandate of preventing, managing and resolving conflicts to sustain the peace in Ghana by providing the National Peace Council with a strong financial backing to respond to urgent conflict situations.

According to the Chairman of the Peace Council's Governing Board, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, the Fund will help the Council to be independent, adding that the necessary measures have been put in place to promote its efficacy.

“The Peace Fund, when fully operational in Ghana, will benefit several players in the economy, including government, the public and private sectors, investors, development partners, tourists, and also, students.”

“Board allowances are irregular, and not proportional to the workload as well as staff salaries. There is no immediate fund to fall on during emergencies when crises arise in the country,” Dr Adu-Gyamfi recounted.

Payments and contributions can be made to the National Peace Council Fund through its account number 1011130031855 at the High Street branch of the Ghana Commercial Bank.

Alternatively, donations can be made through Vodafone Cash on 0506587169. The account name is National Peace Council Fund.