Ghana has dropped three places in the latest Global Peace Index, ranking 7th in Africa and 61st worldwide, according to new data from the Institute for Economics and Peace.
The 2025 report shows Ghana trailing behind Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Madagascar, marking a continued decline from its position as Africa’s second most peaceful country just four years ago.
Globally, Iceland retained its status as the world’s most peaceful country for the 17th consecutive year, ahead of Ireland, New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland. Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia and Finland completed the top ten.
This marks a steady decline for Ghana, which in 2021 was ranked the second most peaceful country in Africa and 38th globally. It maintained that position in 2022, but by 2023 had slipped to 4th in Africa and 51st in the world. The 2024 index placed Ghana 55th globally and 4th in sub-Saharan Africa, with the latest figures confirming a further drop.
The report noted that Ghana’s decline in peacefulness was reflected across multiple indicators, although it did not specify exact causes. Regionally, sub-Saharan Africa experienced an overall deterioration in peace, with half of the 44 countries in the region recording declines.
“There are now 97 countries in the world that are less peaceful than they were at the inception of the index in 2008,” the report stated, adding that Ghana is among those that have seen a decline since the index began.
The GPI uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators to measure peace across three domains: Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarisation. The 2025 edition highlighted that ongoing conflicts, rising militarisation and geopolitical fragmentation continue to drive global declines in peace. Despite these challenges, it also noted improvements in some areas, including perceptions of criminality and homicide rates in several countries.
Analysts say that while Ghana continues to enjoy relative stability, challenges such as localised chieftaincy disputes — particularly the protracted Bawku conflict — economic pressures and rising social tensions have affected its peace indicators.
Still, the country remains a stronghold of democratic governance and political tolerance in West Africa, consistently avoiding the large-scale conflicts that plague parts of the continent. Its peaceful transfer of power through elections, active civil society, and respect for religious and cultural diversity continue to set it apart.
The shifting rankings, however, are a reminder that Ghana’s peace cannot be taken for granted. Experts warn that more investment in conflict resolution, inclusive governance and economic stability will be needed to sustain the country’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of peace in Africa.
SOURCE: GBC Online
