President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the urgent need to strengthen the National Peace Council as Ghana continues to grapple with rising chieftaincy and land-related conflicts across several regions.

He made the call when the Council paid a courtesy visit to him at the Presidency.

Reflecting on the origins of Ghana’s peace architecture, President Mahama noted that he was vice president when discussions began on establishing the council, developed in collaboration with the United Nations (UN).

Since its creation in 2011, he said, the institution had become a model for many countries seeking to build sustainable peace mechanisms.

However, the president warned that increasing intolerance and recurring disputes — largely driven by succession battles, ethnic tensions and land disagreements — were putting immense pressure on security agencies.

He cited areas such as Sampa, Nkwanta, Bawku and parts of the Savannah Region where security personnel remained deployed due to persistent conflicts.

President Mahama stressed that while Ghana enjoyed exceptional religious tolerance, the country must confront the root causes of conflict, including economic exclusion and limited opportunities for young people.