The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Conference of Religions for Peace, commemorated the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2024.
The event was supported by the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), and the International Association of Youths and Students for Peace (IAYSP).
The program’s highlight was the launch ceremony of the “One Million Signatures for Peace,” a symbolic peace signature campaign aimed at promoting unity and harmony among Ghanaians, and ensuring peace before, during, and after the general elections on December 7, 2024. The event took place at the UGMC, University of Ghana, Legon. Key stakeholders viewed the signing ceremony, which was done on a soccer ball, as a manifestation of equality, integrity, peace, love, and harmony. About 70 youth leaders and heads of religious and non-governmental organizations graced the occasion.
The program officially commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. James Aidu, President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, Ghana. Hon. Frank Fuseni Adongo, Chair of UPF Ghana, gave the welcome address. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and responsible language in addressing disagreements as a key strategy in promoting peace. He told the audience: “We recognize that no society is perfect, but our ability to resolve conflicts peacefully is a measure of our spiritual maturation and civilization.” He then outlined numerous projects UPF would embark on, in conjunction with the “One Million Signatures for Peace” campaign, including a climactic football match between major African teams from Nigeria and Ghana.
Rev. Tegha King, Acting Deputy Secretary General of UPF Ghana, who served as the MC, emphasized the significance of signing on a soccer ball, saying, “…it symbolizes equality and unity through its roundness, and football is arguably the most effective sector in promoting social cohesion.”
The signing ceremony was expertly coordinated by Alhaji Muhammad Amir Kpakpo Addo, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Conference of Religions for Peace. Alhaji explained that the ceremony is primarily conducted using a Google form linked to a QR code. He mentioned that the code would be publicized on social media, television, and in designated areas of universities, churches, and mosques across the country, known as “Peace Hubs.”
By scanning the QR code with a mobile device, the link opens, and the individual fills out the form, which includes a Peace Pledge and personal details such as name, age group, and place of residence.
The event’s key stakeholders included religious leaders, who were called upon to promote interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, academics, who were urged to propagate conflict resolution and peacebuilding ideals, and musicians and footballers, who were encouraged to use their platforms to promote peace and unity.
Bishop Dr. Patrick Addison, an administrator with the Council of Independent Churches in Ghana (CICG), spoke on “The Role of Faith in Peacebuilding.”
He urged religious leaders to be examples of peace and unbiased referees in the political arena. Chief Dr. Doli-Wura Zakaria, Chairperson of the African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum Steering Committee (AU-IFDF) and Director of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, delivered a speech on “Cultural Values and Peace.” Bishop Nathaniel Rudolph, Secretary General of the Ghana-United Nations Association (GUNA), explored the topic of “Good Governance and Peace.”
Mr. Godfried Adoube, a former Black Star national football team icon, proposed using football as a social tool in peacebuilding, recounting instances where sports united him with adversaries. He encouraged Ghanaians to love their country and tackle challenges with the same enthusiasm they show for international football clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Barcelona.
The MC, while commenting on Mr. Adoube’s insightful remarks, referred to scholars who had noted that “Peace begins with the kick of a ball” as sages.
He added that the signed soccer ball, adorned with multiple signatures, would be handed to the Ghana Football Association as a “symbol of peace” to be included in their collection of football memorabilia.
Interfaith Prayers:
An interfaith prayer session brought together Christian and Muslim leaders, who prayed for grace and unity among Ghana’s leaders and citizens. They solemnly asked God to bless the nation’s leadership with wisdom to navigate the election process and bring it to a peaceful conclusion. They also prayed for a spirit of love and unity among all Ghanaians.
The interfaith prayer team included Archbishop Abraham Annoh (National President, Council of African Instituted Churches – CAIC), Imam Ahmad Tijani Haruna (Office of the National Chief Imam), and Apostle Bill Forcha, General Overseer of the Church of the Peacemakers International, and a generous event donor.
Empress Commey, the 2022 “Young Voice of Peace” African winner, energized the audience with a short speech, stating: “We live in a world where division and conflict often dominate the headlines.” She added, “But I say to you, we have the power to create a different narrative — one of compassion, empathy, and understanding.” She then led the audience in singing “My African Dream,” a cover of the Vicky Sampson song, which Mrs. Sampson performed during the 1996 African Nations Cup.
In his vote of thanks, Alhaji Muhammad Amir Kpakpo Addo expressed gratitude and urged Ghana’s Election Commission to recognize its critical role in the current political climate.
Archbishop Godman E. Anim, President of Ambassadors for Peace, gave the concluding remarks and the closing prayer.
The “One Million Signatures for Peace” launch ceremony concluded with the release of a single dove, released by a nine-year-old boy outdoors, as the leaders present applauded. The dove symbolized “One Ghana, One People, united through one purpose,” and the child represented hope and the future.
The event ended with a delicious snack of African non-alcoholic beverages and pastries. The event was covered by Ghana Television (GTV) and social media influencers. 
