Dr David Esinu Yao Normanyo, the Volta Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council (NPC), has called for the development of a localised Ghana Peace Index to strengthen peacebuilding and development at the grassroots level.
Dr Normanyo made the call on Wednesday, in a keynote address to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day at the Volta Press Centre in Ho, on the theme: “Shaping a Future of Peace.”
He stated that, while Ghana’s national ranking on the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) remained a source of pride, peace was lived locally and must be measured beyond global averages.
“According to the 2025 GPI, Ghana ranked 61st globally with an overall score of 1.898 and 7th most peaceful in Sub-Saharan Africa after Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Madagascar,” he said.
Dr Normanyo noted that while Ghana maintained a high peace status, the broader Sub-Saharan region had recorded a 0.17 per cent deterioration in peace, which underscored the need for vigilance among citizens.
He warned that Ghana was identified as one of only 14 countries globally involved in five or more external conflicts, primarily through peacekeeping operations, and stressed that the country’s peace was not isolated from global security dynamics.
He explained that a Ghana Peace Index would rank all 16 regions and 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) on their state of peacefulness, and urged stakeholders and all individuals to prioritise peace for better development.
“Such an index will also identify fragile regions and districts for proactive intervention, track how local reportage influenced tensions, and provide data to tailor development projects to specific peace dynamics.”
Dr Normanyo emphasised that peace journalism was critical to development and noted that journalists could act as catalysts by choosing words that de-escalate tensions to give voice to the marginalised and ensure a free and peaceful press.
He urged the media to use their freedom to shape a future of Peace, adding that by embracing peace journalism, journalists will protect national development and keep Ghana a beacon of hope.”
Dr Normanyo, a seasoned leader with over 29 years’ experience in public administration, peacebuilding, and law enforcement, is currently a fellow of The Hague Academy for Local Governance and an IEP Global Peace Index Ambassador.
