Private legal practitioner, Martin Luther Kpebu, has voiced strong criticism of the National Peace Council (NPC), joining a growing chorus of individuals and organizations calling for its disbandment.
Kpebu labeled the council as a “useless” entity, arguing that it has failed to effectively fulfill its mandate, particularly in the context of the ongoing tensions leading up to the December 2024 general elections.
“To be honest with you, I think that I strongly buy into this that the Peace Council should be disbanded,” Kpebu stated during the discussion. He emphasized that the council’s actions, or lack thereof, demonstrated a lack of understanding of the political dynamics at play.
In a panel discussion held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, Lawyer Kpebu expressed his discontent with the Peace Council’s approach to the political climate surrounding the elections. His comments were particularly focused on the council’s handling of the peace pact negotiations, which have been marred by controversy.
Lawyer Kpebu argued that the Peace Council should have anticipated the concerns of the NDC, especially given the party’s history and the specific demands made by its chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.
Lawyer Kpebu criticized the council for what he perceived as a lack of preparation and foresight in dealing with the NDC’s leadership. According to Kpebu, the Peace Council’s failure to adequately address these issues before engaging in discussions with Nketia was a significant oversight.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded that specific conditions be met before it signs the peace pact, a stance that has led to a stalemate.
A central point of Lawyer Kpebu’s criticism was the Peace Council’s handling of the NDC’s demand for justice regarding the killing of eight individuals. These deaths, which occurred in the aftermath of political unrest, have been a major point of contention for the NDC.
The party has insisted that justice must be served for the victims before any meaningful peace agreement can be reached.
“I can’t for one second imagine how the Peace Council went to meet Asiedu Nketia without having got an update on how those 8 persons were killed. I mean, this is a no-brainer,” Lawyer Kpebu remarked. He suggested that the council’s failure to address this issue undermined its credibility as a mediator in the peace process.
Lawyer Kpebu further criticized the council for not applying sufficient pressure on the relevant authorities to expedite the investigations and ensure justice for the victims.
Calls for Justice as a Prerequisite for Peace
Lawyer Kpebu’s comments underscored a broader argument that peace cannot be achieved without justice. He asserted that the deaths of the eight individuals should not be forgotten or brushed aside in the pursuit of a peace pact.
In his view, the Peace Council’s inability to prioritize justice in this matter is a fundamental flaw that renders the institution ineffective.
“They can’t anticipate, you have to anticipate the opponent, anticipate the person you’re going to negotiate with. The death of these 8 persons is something that we should never let go of until we get justice for those 8 people because there will never be peace unless there is justice,.
Private legal practitioner, Martin Luther Kpebu
Lawyer Kpebu is not alone in his criticism of the National Peace Council. In recent months, there has been increasing scrutiny of the council’s role and effectiveness in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
As the December 2024 elections approach, the criticism of the National Peace Council is likely to intensify, particularly if the issues surrounding the peace pact and the demands of the NDC remain unresolved.
Martin Luther Kpebu’s call for the disbandment of the council adds a significant voice to the ongoing debate about the council’s relevance and effectiveness in the current political climate.
