Ashanti Regional Peace Council Pays Courtesy Call on Ashanti Regional Chief Imam to Strengthen Peace Collaboration
The Ashanti Regional Peace Council (ARPC) on 30th April 2026 paid a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam at the Kumasi Central Mosque as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and deepen partnerships for peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social cohesion within the region.
The meeting served as a formal introduction of the newly constituted Council Members and their mandate to the Office of the Regional Chief Imam. It also provided an opportunity to discuss areas of cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable peace, particularly within Zongo communities across the Ashanti Region.
The delegation from the Ashanti Regional Peace Council was led by Chairperson Dr. Harriet Takyi and included Council Members, management, and staff of the Council. Present from the Office of the Regional Chief Imam were Sheikh Zakaria Abdul Suleman (Regional Chief Imam), Sheikh Abass Umar Karara (Deputy Chief Imam), and other respected members of the Chief Imam’s office.
Welcoming the delegation, the Regional Executive Secretary, Rev. Emmanuel Badu Amoah, PhD, outlined the purpose of the visit. He noted that beyond introducing the governing board and its peace mandate, the Council sought to explore collaboration on a proposed capacity-building programme for members of the Chief Imam’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee.
The proposed training initiative is expected to focus on key thematic areas including:
- Understanding conflict, conflict resolution, and mediation skills
- Community engagement and dialogue facilitation
- Prevention of violent extremism
- Promotion of peaceful coexistence and social cohesion
The Chairperson of the Council commended the Office of the Regional Chief Imam for its longstanding contribution to peace, unity, and community harmony within the region.
In his remarks, Sheikh Zakaria Abdul Suleman warmly welcomed the delegation and praised the Council for its dedication to promoting peace in the Ashanti Region and Ghana at large. He emphasized the influential role of religious leaders in fostering unity and resolving disputes within communities.
Using a symbolic analogy, the Regional Chief Imam described peace as the “heart” that sustains society, noting that the Peace Council plays a central role in safeguarding the wellbeing of communities and the nation. He encouraged Council Members to remain steadfast in executing their mandate and assured them of his prayers and continued support.
The Regional Chief Imam also expressed strong support for the proposed training programme and pledged his readiness to mobilize members of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee to participate. He further reaffirmed his commitment to sustained collaboration and regular engagement between his office and the National Peace Council in advancing peacebuilding efforts across the region.
The courtesy call concluded successfully, reinforcing mutual trust and establishing a stronger foundation for partnership between the Ashanti Regional Peace Council and the Office of the Regional Chief Imam in promoting peace, unity, dialogue, and conflict prevention in the Ashanti Region.
