Ghana marks Peace Day

Accra, Sept 19, GNA - Mr. Daouda Toure, UN Resident Coordinator on Friday lauded women's contributions towards the achievement and sustenance of peace worldwide. "Women pay the higher price when democratic systems are broken, where conflicts thrive and I appreciate the various advocacy and awareness creation towards the sustenance of peace especially in Ghana". Mr. Toure who made the remarks as part of activities climaxing the 2008 International Day of Peace said peace still remained cardinal to the mandate of the UN and would to ensure its achievement. The day was marked in Ghana with a walk through the principal streets of Accra. Placards bearing peace messages: Ghana needs peace, politicians! Watch your tongues, women do not condone violence: speak out, Involve women in peace processes: they can make a difference and Let Ghana be in peace not in pieces. "Development, security and peace go hand in hand", he said and urged Ghanaians to show tolerance adding that it was the bedrock to a successful society. A message from Ghanaian children stated: "As we observe the UN day of peace, we the children of Ghana are proud to be part and urge our country's leaders and Ghanaians to endeavour to sustain the atmosphere of peace." The UN General Assembly established the international day of peace in 1981 to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace within and among all nations and people. Twenty years later, the UN set aside September 21 every year to observe it annually as a "global ceasefire and non-violence through education and public awareness creation. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon in a message read on his behalf said; "Human rights are essential to peace. Yet too many people around the world still have their rights violated especially during conflict. That is why we must ensure that the rights in the Declaration are a living reality". Nana Obiri Boahene, Minister of State at the Ministry of the Interior noted the need for all the political parties and their supporters to preach peace. "I wish to also call on the chiefs, women and all well meaning Ghanaians to stand up and be counted in our effort to sustain the peace we have today". He said government in collaboration with the UN system had put in place mechanisms for non-violent resolution of conflicts through the National Architecture for Peace. Nana Boahene said "This is a framework policy document approved by Cabinet in 2006 and under which the national Peace Council and the various Regional Peace Advisory Councils have been established". Government will work towards a free, fair and transparent election and will accept the results irrespective of which political party wins, "This is the only country we have and we must do all within us to protect and safeguard it". Mrs Marian Tackie, Director, International Women's Desk, MOWAC said the walk was to raise awareness on the need to maintain peace adding that conflicts and wars only increased poverty and retarded development. Ghanaians are encouraged to send peace messages to the website address www.peaceday2008.org or to code number 020-3003888 via all networks.