Ho, Oct. 24, GNA - A 15-member Volta Regional Peace Advisory Council (VRPAC) was on Tuesday inaugurated to harmonize peace-building activities in the region. The Council, under the chairmanship of Togbe Oberko Agyei II, Osolewura of Akyode Traditional Area in the Nkwanta District, would develop a conflict prevention framework for the region, an inter-group understanding about the values of reconciliation, tolerance, trust, confidence building, mediation and dialogue as responses to conflicts. Inaugurating the Council Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister, appealed to the members to live up to the confidence and trust reposed in them.

He said the region was fraught with a number of land, chieftaincy and religious conflicts threatening peace and appealed to the council to turn the challenge into positive situations for the socio-economic development.

Mr Francis Azumah, Programme Officer for Peace and Governance at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), underscored the importance of peace to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He commended the region for the achievements made in the Nkonya/Alavanyo peace process and called on members of the Council to be vigilant, non-partisan and stand above personal interest for the good of the region".

Members of the council are Monsignor Anthony Kornu of the Roman Catholic Church, Right Reverend Dr. Livingston Buama, Moderator of the EP Church, Regional Chief Imam, Regional Police Commander and Regional Security Coordinator.