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The National Peace Council (NPC) has said the feat achieved by Ghana as the second most peaceful country in Africa and the first in West Africa in the 2022 Global Peace Index Report ranking was not achieved in a "vacuum".

It has therefore expressed gratitude to "God for his mercies on the government and people of Ghana for keeping the country through, a rather challenging year."

In an end-of-year message issued by the Chairman of the NPC, Rev Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi, the Peace Council said the feat was achieved through "collective efforts, as a people, determined to sustain our peace and democracy."

It, however, expressed worry over recent happenings, particularly, chieftaincy disputes in some parts of the country in the last few days, that have the potential to derail the gains of peace and stability of Ghana.

"It is of concern to the National Peace Council that in December 2022 alone, Ghana has recorded fatalities in Bawku in the Upper East Region, Battor in the Volta Region and Buipe in the Savannah Region leading to injuries, and loss of lives and properties."

"The Council wishes to call on all sides of the feuding parties in these conflicts to cease fire, in the spirit of the season and seek nonviolent ways to address their grievances.

Reports from Bawku suggest that some shootings on Saturday, December 24, 2022, have resulted in at least four more deaths, aside the seven who were killed six days ago.

In the Saturday incident, the victims were reportedly killed in fresh attacks in Bawku in the Upper East Region, according to reports.

Sources have said at least two more people have also been critically wounded and are receiving treatment in the hospital.

The shootings reportedly occurred at a suburb widely believed to be inhabited by people who do not belong to any of the factions involved in the chieftaincy dispute.

The police in Bawku have confirmed some killings but yet to give details.