The Bono Regional Anchor for the Movement for Change, Nana Kwadwo Poku, has said, “The church must build peace,” during a peace praise program hosted by The Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI) Sunyani Central Church.
He emphasized the vital role of the Church in fostering unity and understanding within communities, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the congregation.
He elaborated, saying, “Good politics serves peace.”
Nana Kwadwo Poku explained that while politics can build institutions and enhance human welfare, it should always be viewed as a service to society, not as a tool for oppression or destruction.
“When politics is harnessed for the common good, it creates a stable foundation for peace,” he noted.
“Peace is a delicate flower,” he remarked, illustrating that peace is fragile and requires nurturing to thrive amidst the harsh realities of conflict.
He compared peace to a flower struggling to grow in rocky ground, emphasizing that it needs support and protection from destructive forces to truly bloom.
Nana Kwadwo Poku asserted, “Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice.”
He highlighted that true peace is characterized by fairness and respect for human rights, which are essential for building a just society. Without these elements, he argued, peace remains an illusion rather than a reality.
He further contended that peace is achieved through understanding, not through force. “We must prioritize empathy and open-minded dialogue in resolving conflicts,” he urged, noting that peace founded on mutual understanding is far more enduring than peace imposed by power.
Reflecting on the essence of peace, he stated, “Peace is a state of law,” emphasizing that it is grounded in justice, moral goodness, and a careful balance of powers. When these principles are upheld, he said, society can maintain harmony and security.
“Peace is opposed to violence,” he continued, reminding everyone that true peace cannot coexist with aggression or hostility. For peace to be genuine, it must actively oppose violence, fostering an environment where compassion prevails over conflict.
Nana Kwadwo Poku also stressed the importance of inner peace, suggesting that “peace is cultivated through meditation.”
He pointed out that for many, meditation offers a pathway to inner calm and clarity, positively influencing how individuals interact with others and respond to challenges.
“Peace is not something you can demand or receive from others,” he asserted. Instead, it is a shared responsibility, requiring active contributions from each individual. “Peace is built through our commitments to understanding, tolerance, and reconciliation,” he emphasized.
Finally, he championed nonviolence as the ultimate approach to peacebuilding, urging that “peace is built through active nonviolence.” He called on the Church to lead by example, demonstrating and promoting nonviolent methods of conflict resolution, as nonviolence addresses both the political and moral challenges of our time.
Nana Kwadwo Poku reinforced that peace is a collective endeavor, with the Church and society playing critical roles in its cultivation and preservation.
