By Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Accra
The Universal Friendship Organization (UFO) has raised concern over what it describes as Ghana’s declining performance in the Global Peace Index (GPI) over the past five years, warning that growing economic, social and political tensions could undermine the country’s peace and stability.
The organisation made the observation as part of the 2026 World Peace Day Celebration on September 21, commemorated under the theme: “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.”
In a press release, the UFO commended successive governments for efforts to protect the lives of Ghanaians and maintain the country’s reputation as a peaceful nation, but expressed concern over what it described as a significant deterioration in Ghana’s peace ranking since 2022.
According to figures contained in the organisation’s release, Ghana improved from 44th globally and sixth in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2016 to 38th globally and second in Africa in 2021, recording a GPI score of 1.715. The organisation said the trend subsequently reversed, with Ghana reportedly ranking 40th globally in 2022, 51st in 2023, 55th in 2024, 61st in 2025 and 76th globally in 2026.
It further stated that Ghana’s 2026 position placed the country 10th in Africa, behind Mauritius, Botswana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Senegal. The UFO said the reported decline represented a 38-place drop in Ghana’s global ranking over five years and described the development as a “cause for concern.”
The organisation attributed the trend to a combination of economic, social and political factors, including the high cost of living, youth unemployment, inequality, chieftaincy disputes, communal conflicts, discrimination and political polarisation. It also expressed concern about what it described as growing intolerance and mistrust within the political environment.
With Ghana approaching another major political season, the Universal Friendship Organization has appealed to the government and political actors to put national interest ahead of partisan and personal interests. The organisation cautioned political parties and their supporters against hate speech, vote-buying, insults and divisive political rhetoric, arguing that such practices could undermine social cohesion and the country’s peace and security.
It said Ghana’s peace should take precedence over the interests of political parties, candidates and individuals. The UFO urged political actors to invest in unity and peaceful engagement rather than practices that could fuel division and conflict.
“Political power is meaningless without a peaceful nation to govern,” the organisation stated.
As part of its World Peace Day campaign, the Universal Friendship Organization called on the government to increase investment in youth employment, social justice and citizen safety. It also urged political parties to commit themselves to decent and issue-based campaigns and to avoid what it described as self-interest politics.
Traditional and religious leaders were encouraged to promote dialogue, tolerance and inclusion, while Ghanaians were urged to embrace everyday acts of friendship and peaceful coexistence. The organisation said peace required sustained investment from all sectors of society. “Peace is not cheap, but it is cheaper than conflict. Let us all invest in it,” the statement said.
The Universal Friendship Organization further expressed the hope that Ghana would improve its peace standing and reclaim a position among the top three most peaceful countries in Africa. The organisation is led by its President, Samuel Adobah, and promotes friendship, tolerance and peace for all.
