When discussing atrocity prevention, global attention often gravitates toward major powers. Yet, Ghana, a small West African nation, offers a compelling case of how smaller states can meaningfully contribute to this critical global issue. With its innovative approaches and enduring commitment to peace, my research on Ghana demonstrates that size does not limit impact.
Why Ghana Matters
Ghana’s journey in atrocity prevention reflects its broader dedication to human rights and international peace. Its National Peace Council (NPC), a unique peace infrastructure operating at national, regional, and district levels, serves as both a domestic mechanism for conflict prevention and an international model of innovation. The NPC has mediated local disputes, mitigated electoral tensions, and set a precedent for atrocity prevention frameworks worldwide.
The role of the NPC has been particularly critical during Ghana’s democratic transitions. Since transitioning to a multiparty democracy in 1992, the country has conducted nine successive elections, culminating in four peaceful transfers of power – the most recent in December 2024.
Before these elections, the NPC brought all candidates together to sign a peace pact, a public commitment to maintaining peace regardless of the outcome. This pact has become instrumental, particularly in December 2024 when the incumbent government’s candidate, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, swiftly and peacefully conceded defeat to the opposition candidate, former President John Mahama, referencing the pact to diffuse rising tensions and prevent unrest.
Such efforts underscore the NPC’s pivotal role in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic principles and political stability, earning the country recognition as one of the most peaceful in Africa, according to the Global Peace Index.
This approach is also grassroots-based, as it amplifies the voices of communities, promoting dialogue and fostering reconciliation. By integrating traditional leaders and civil society into its peace efforts, the NPC ensures inclusivity and builds trust across diverse societal groups. Ghana’s emphasis on social cohesion and its ability to defuse political and ethnic tensions underscore its role as a potential model for peace in the region.
Ghana’s Role in Global Advocacy
On the international stage, Ghana has consistently championed the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine. Since its adoption in 2005, R2P has underscored the global commitment to shield populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Ghana, despite its limited resources, has emerged as a vocal advocate, leveraging organizations like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and pioneering initiatives such as the Global Network of R2P Focal Points.
Notably, Ghana’s contributions extend beyond rhetoric. It was instrumental in shaping regional interventions through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and in fostering peace during crises in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire. These efforts highlight Ghana’s capacity to address regional insecurities while maintaining its focus on atrocity prevention.
Challenges and Evolving Priorities
However, Ghana’s engagement with atrocity prevention is not without challenges. Limited resources and shifting regional security dynamics, such as the threat of violent extremism in West Africa, have influenced its priorities. During its recent UNSC tenure (2022–2023), Ghana’s focus expanded to regional peacekeeping, counterterrorism under the Accra Initiative, and maritime security. This pivot reflects the complexities of balancing immediate security needs with long-term commitments to atrocity prevention.
This balancing act often places Ghana in a position where global pressures and local conditions create tensions. For example, international expectations to champion atrocity prevention sometimes clash with the urgent need to address regional threats like terrorism and maritime insecurity. These dual priorities can lead to an ambiguous position, where Ghana must navigate competing demands from its international commitments and the practical realities on the ground. Yet, this complexity also highlights Ghana’s diplomatic agility and strategic pragmatism.
Despite these pressures, Ghana’s efforts in institutionalizing atrocity prevention at home remain robust. By addressing the root causes of violence – poverty, ethnic tensions, and weak governance – the NPC’s work helps to support R2P’s core principles, showcasing how local solutions can inform global practices. This dual approach emphasizes that small states like Ghana can manage external pressures while staying committed to their peacebuilding objectives.
What Can We Learn?
Ghana’s experience underscores the vital role small states play in advancing global norms like R2P. By integrating peacebuilding at the grassroots level and championing atrocity prevention internationally, Ghana offers a blueprint for other nations. The inclusion of community voices, traditional authorities, and civil society ensures legitimacy and sustainability in peace efforts. Moreover, Ghana highlights the importance of adaptability. While resource constraints and geopolitical shifts may necessitate a recalibration of priorities, the underlying commitment to human rights and peace remains central. This balance between pragmatism and principle is a lesson for all states navigating the complexities of international peacebuilding.
Keywords: Ghana, atrocities, atrocity prevention, peace, Africa, small states, war crimes
