Hon. Muntaka made the remarks during the commissioning of the Upper West Regional Police Headquarters, where he highlighted the importance of dialogue and early conflict resolution in maintaining social harmony.
He noted that the region’s ability to address disagreements before they escalate has played a key role in sustaining peace.
According to the Interior Minister, one of the most commendable initiatives in the region is a dialogue platform that brings together members of different religious communities to openly discuss and resolve potential disputes. He described the initiative as a model worthy of national attention.
“I would normally prefer not to have separate meetings for Christians and Muslims,” Hon. Muntaka said.
According to the Interior Minister, one of the most commendable initiatives in the region is a dialogue platform that brings together members of different religious communities to openly discuss and resolve potential disputes. He described the initiative as a model worthy of national attention.
“I would normally prefer not to have separate meetings for Christians and Muslims,” Hon. Muntaka said.
“But the people of the Upper West Region have made it easier by bringing everyone together. That is why you are among the most peaceful regions in Ghana.”
He explained that religion and chieftaincy disputes are among the most common causes of conflict, not only in Ghana but across many parts of the world.
He explained that religion and chieftaincy disputes are among the most common causes of conflict, not only in Ghana but across many parts of the world.
Without proper engagement and understanding, he said, such issues can easily spiral into unrest and violence.
Hon. Muntaka stressed that the existence of a neutral platform where community members can engage in dialogue and resolve concerns amicably is critical to preventing unnecessary tension.
Hon. Muntaka stressed that the existence of a neutral platform where community members can engage in dialogue and resolve concerns amicably is critical to preventing unnecessary tension.
He added that his core responsibility as Interior Minister is to ensure public safety and promote peaceful coexistence among all citizens, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
The Minister further encouraged the National Peace Council and other stakeholders to replicate the Upper West model in other regions of the country.
The Minister further encouraged the National Peace Council and other stakeholders to replicate the Upper West model in other regions of the country.
He expressed confidence that similar dialogue-driven initiatives could significantly reduce conflicts nationwide and strengthen Ghana’s democratic stability.
“This is an approach that can work anywhere in the country,” he noted.
“This is an approach that can work anywhere in the country,” he noted.
“If people are given the opportunity to talk, listen, and understand one another, many conflicts can be avoided.”
Hon. Muntaka also pledged government support for peace-building activities in the region, assuring members of the dialogue group that his ministry would be willing to assist when such initiatives require resources beyond their capacity.
“If there are activities you want to undertake and you need support that is beyond your reach, do not hesitate to engage my office,” he told them.
The commissioning of the new Regional Police Headquarters, he said, further demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening security infrastructure and enhancing law enforcement capacity in the region.
Hon. Muntaka also pledged government support for peace-building activities in the region, assuring members of the dialogue group that his ministry would be willing to assist when such initiatives require resources beyond their capacity.
“If there are activities you want to undertake and you need support that is beyond your reach, do not hesitate to engage my office,” he told them.
The commissioning of the new Regional Police Headquarters, he said, further demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening security infrastructure and enhancing law enforcement capacity in the region.
According to him, effective policing, combined with community cooperation, is essential for sustaining peace and development.
Residents and local leaders present at the event welcomed the Minister’s remarks, describing them as a recognition of the collective effort by traditional authorities, religious leaders, security agencies, and citizens in maintaining harmony.
Hon. Muntaka concluded by urging residents of the Upper West Region to continue nurturing the culture of tolerance and dialogue, stressing that peace remains a shared responsibility.
Residents and local leaders present at the event welcomed the Minister’s remarks, describing them as a recognition of the collective effort by traditional authorities, religious leaders, security agencies, and citizens in maintaining harmony.
Hon. Muntaka concluded by urging residents of the Upper West Region to continue nurturing the culture of tolerance and dialogue, stressing that peace remains a shared responsibility.