Ghana has recorded a significant decline in its global peace ranking, falling six places to 61st position in the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), according to the latest report released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).
The decline also saw Ghana slip from fourth to seventh place among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, raising concerns about the country’s standing as one of the continent’s most peaceful democracies.
The 2025 Global Peace Index, which assesses 163 independent states and territories representing 99.7 per cent of the world’s population, found that global peacefulness has deteriorated for the sixth consecutive year amid rising conflicts, increased militarisation and growing geopolitical tensions.
According to the report, Ghana now trails several African countries in the regional rankings, including Mauritius, which emerged as the highest-ranked country in Sub-Saharan Africa and placed 26th globally. Botswana ranked 43rd, followed by Namibia (50th), The Gambia (55th), Sierra Leone (57th), and Madagascar (59th).
Despite remaining among the more peaceful nations on the continent, Ghana’s overall score worsened compared to the previous year, contributing to its decline in both global and regional standings.
While the report did not provide specific reasons for Ghana’s drop in ranking, it noted that the country’s deterioration was reflected across several indicators used to measure peacefulness.
The GPI evaluates countries based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators grouped under three broad categories: Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarisation.
The report highlighted that many countries around the world continue to face increasing security challenges, political instability, and conflict-related pressures.
Sub-Saharan Africa also recorded an overall deterioration in peacefulness, with half of the region’s 44 countries experiencing declines in their scores over the past year.
On the global stage, Iceland retained its position as the world’s most peaceful country for the 17th consecutive year. Ireland ranked second, followed by New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland. Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia and Finland completed the top ten most peaceful nations in the world.
Despite the global decline, the report pointed to some positive developments, including improvements in perceptions of criminality and reductions in homicide rates in several countries.
For Ghana, the decline may prompt renewed discussions on governance, security management and measures required to preserve the country’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of peace and democracy in West Africa.
