Accra, June 6, GNA - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its collaborating partners are donating one million dollars towards the promotion of peace in the country this year. "This donation will also help to strengthen the capacity of the National Peace and Regional Councils to promote debates, dialogue and tolerance in public discourses, as well as to effectively mediate in potentially violent conflicts in the country," said Mr. Daouda Troure, UNDP Resident Representative.

Speaking at the presentation of a Toyota Hilux pickup valued at 24,000 dollars to the Northern Regional Peace Council (NORPAC), he said the money would also be used to build the capacity of the Electoral Commission to facilitate consensus building among political parties and also enable tertiary institutions to include peace education on their curricula.

He said the presentation of the vehicle demonstrated the commitment of the UNDP to peace, stability in the country and development of Northern Ghana.

"It is my conviction that this vehicle will empower the NORPAC to play a lead role in ensuring peace and human security, as well as sustaining the various peace initiatives in Dagbon," said. He urged the National and the Regional Peace Councils to stand up to the challenges of this year's election and also create the needed platforms for the engagement of stakeholders in the peace of the nation to dialogue on electoral challenges.

Nana Obiri Boahene, Minister of State, Ministry of the Interior, who received the vehicle on behalf of the Council, expressed his appreciation to the UNDP and called for the maintenance of absolute peace in the country.

He thanked the UNDP, which has already donated a vehicle to the National Peace Council, and appealed to them for the provision of vehicles to the other Regional Peace Councils.