Global Peace Index: Ghana Drops 4 Places In Latest Peace Rankings Amidst Election Saga
In a surprising turn, Ghana has fallen from its previous ranking on the Global Peace Index (GPI), slipping to 55th globally in 2024, down from 51st in 2023. This marks a notable decline from its 40th position in 2022. The Global Peace Index, an annual report produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), tracks and measures the level of peacefulness across 163 countries worldwide.
Ghana’s Decline in Peace Rankings
Ghana, once considered a beacon of peace in Sub-Saharan Africa, has now slipped to the 4th position in the region. It now trails behind Mauritius, Madagascar, and Botswana. For years, Ghana held the position as the second most peaceful country in Africa, making this drop a cause for concern.
This decline comes amid rising political tensions as the country prepares for its Presidential and Parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024. Increased polarization and heated rhetoric in the media, alongside various socio-political challenges, may have contributed to the nation’s lower ranking.
The Global Peace Index: An Overview
The Global Peace Index ranks countries based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators across three key domains:
1. Societal Safety and Security
2. Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict
3. Militarization
This year’s edition introduces a new measure of global military capability, assessing factors such as military sophistication, technology, and battle readiness.
Factors Behind the Global Decline in Peacefulness
The 2024 GPI reports that global conditions that lead to major conflicts are at their highest since World War II. There are 56 active conflicts worldwide—the most since the index was first published in 2008. A staggering 92 countries are now engaged in conflicts beyond their borders, complicating international peace efforts.
The report also highlights that militarization has worsened globally. This reversal of a previously improving trend has impacted 108 countries, further contributing to a deterioration in global peace. This decline is seen in both military expenditure and the number of deaths from external conflicts.
Ghana in Context: Regional and Global Trends
On a regional scale, Europe remains the most peaceful part of the world, with eight of the top ten most peaceful countries located there. In contrast, North America experienced the largest decline in peacefulness, primarily due to significant drops in both the U.S. and Canada.
Globally, the average level of peacefulness declined by 0.56% in 2024, marking the 12th deterioration in 16 years. This year saw the highest number of countries—97—recording declines in peacefulness since the index’s inception.
Despite Ghana’s fall in ranking, the country still ranks better than many others in the world. Iceland, once again, remains the most peaceful country, a position it has held since 2008, while Yemen has taken the unfortunate position of being the least peaceful country, followed by Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
Implications for Ghana
The downward trend in Ghana’s peacefulness comes at a critical time for the nation, especially with the upcoming elections. Political tensions, coupled with concerns over issues like hate speech in the media, could further impact the country’s peace ranking if left unchecked. Stakeholders are urging the government and political parties to prioritize peaceful dialogue and avoid rhetoric that could lead to increased instability.
Ghana, which has long been a symbol of peace in West Africa, now faces the challenge of regaining its standing on the Global Peace Index. For many, this requires not only addressing political unrest but also tackling social inequalities and strengthening security institutions.
Conclusion
While Ghana’s fall in the Global Peace Index is concerning, it is not beyond repair. By focusing on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting peace-building efforts, and ensuring fair elections in December, the country can work towards regaining its place as one of Africa’s most peaceful nations. The report serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to act quickly and decisively to preserve Ghana’s hard-earned peace and stability.
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